Agenda item - Winter Service Plan - Scrutiny Review Panel Report

Report of the Acting Director of Strategy & Governance together with the report of the Environment & Community Safety Overview & Scrutiny Committee Scrutiny Review Panel, (copies attached).

34.1         Councillor Morgan introduced the report and noted that the review had resulted from the severe weather conditions experienced in December, which had presented the council and other organisations with a number of difficulties.  He wished to pay tribute to al of the council staff who met those challenges at that time and on many occasions went beyond their duties to ensure the city kept moving.  The review had looked at how such challenges could be met in the future and he welcomed the Administration’s response to the recommendations.  He also wished to place on record his thanks to the Panel Members and officers involved in the process.

34.2         Councillor Rufus stated that he wished to add his thanks to the staff and in particular to those at the front-line.  He believed that lessons had been learnt and the range of evidence given had enabled the Panel to put forward its recommendations.  He hoped that communication processes with the public would be improved further in such instances.

34.3         Councillor Mears welcomed the report and the comments for the staff at the time of the disruption from the weather.  She believed that the authority should be very proud of its staff who worked through the day and night to ensure people were safe and services were maintained.  The community spirit that evolved at the time showed how people could come together to resolve matters.

34.4         Councillor Theobald stated that he wished to thank the Panel for their work and noted that all the recommendations had been taken on board.  He also noted that officers were working with colleagues in both East and West Sussex with a view to addressing some of the points that had been raised.

34.5         Councillor Morgan noted the comments and recommended the report to the council.

34.6         The Mayor noted that the report had been moved and asked if the recommendation was agreed.

34.7         RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

34.8         The Mayor noted that the meeting had been in session for four hours and in accordance with Procedure Rule 17, he was required to move a closure motion to effectively terminate the meeting.

34.9         Councillor Kitcat requested that a recorded vote be taken on the motion moved by the Mayor, which was supported by a sufficient number of Members.

34.10    The Mayor noted that a recorded vote had been requested and put the motion to terminate the meeting to the vote:

34.11    The motion was lost.

34.12    The Mayor noted that the motion was lost and therefore continued with the meeting.