Issue - meetings

(A)     the progress made by  Members and Officers against the three recommendations made at the Community Scrutiny Committee meeting on 28 February 2012 be noted and supported;

(B)     the ambitions set out in paragraph 2.9 of the report now submitted, be supported and are integrated into the strategic policy making of the Council via the Equalities Impact Assessment; and

(C)    the Ageing Well agenda be developed within the context of the Council’s corporate priority to enhance the quality of life, health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities, particularly those who are vulnerable.

The Executive Member for Health, Housing and Community Support submitted a report on the progress made in developing the Ageing Well agenda.  The Community Scrutiny Committee, at its meeting held on 28 August 2012, had also considered the progress made since making its original three recommendations.

The Executive Member referred to the ambitions detailed at paragraph 2.9 of the report submitted and sought the Executive’s support for integrating these into the Council’s strategic policy making.  She advised that Community Scrutiny Committee would be receiving a further report on this at its next meeting.

In response to various Members’ comments and questions, the Executive noted that the developing District Plan would need to take account of the changing demographics of the District.  The Executive Member commented that the Ageing Well agenda would need to be developed in partnership with other agencies and that funding could be considered if specific projects were identified.  Reference was also made to the work of the Buntingford Youth Council as an example of intergenerational links.   

The Executive supported the recommendations as now detailed.

RESOLVED - that (A) the progress made by  Members and Officers against the three recommendations made at the Community Scrutiny Committee meeting on 28 February 2012 be noted and supported;

(B)      the ambitions set out in paragraph 2.9 of the report now submitted, be supported and are integrated into the strategic policy making of the Council via the Equalities Impact Assessment; and

(C)      the Ageing Well agenda be developed within the context of the Council’s corporate priority to enhance the quality of life, health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities, particularly those who are vulnerable.

The Executive Member for Health, Housing and Community Support submitted a report updating Members on the progress of the East Herts Ageing Well agenda following recommendations made by Community Scrutiny Committee on 28 February 2012, the detail of which was set out in the report now submitted.  The Engagement and Partnerships Team Leader summarised the recommendations and role of the Council in engaging with older people.  It was noted that from research already undertaken by Members on the Working Group, there were 148 groups providing a range of services to older people, which the Council could use as the foundation of a database for future engagement and consultation.

In response to a query from Councillor G McAndrew and what steps the Council was taking to include the rural community, Councillor L Haysey explained that there would be an Ageing Well item on the Rural Conference agenda.

In response to a query from Councillor C Woodward regarding encouraging businesses to be “older people friendly”, the Chief Executive and Director of Customer and Community Services reminded Members that there were now no work age limitations in terms of economic activity. 

The Chairman referred to the positive progress made in relation to age and well being and how this was becoming embedded within the community.

The Committee noted the progress made against the recommendations made at its meeting held on 28 February 2012, and agreed that the Executive be asked to support the ambitions set out in paragraph 2.9 of the report now submitted and that these be integrated into the strategic policy making of the Council, via the Equalities Impact Assessment.

RESOLVED – that (A) the progress made against the three recommendations made at the meeting of Community Scrutiny Committee held on 28 February 2012 be noted; and

(B)   the Executive be requested to support the ambitions as detailed in paragraph 2.9 of the report now submitted, and that these be integrated into the strategic policy making of the Council, via the Equalities Impact Assessment.