Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Keith Evans, Anna McNair-Scott and Bill Withers. Councillor Chris Carter attended as the Conservative substitute member.

All Members who believe they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that interest and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3 Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore all Members with a Non-Pecuniary interest in a matter being considered at the meeting should consider whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 2 of the Code, consider whether it is appropriate to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Non-Pecuniary interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 2 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 17 January 2020.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 17 January 2020 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.

No deputations were received on this occasion.

To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.

The Chairman made no announcements on this occasion.

To receive a presentation from the Director of Environment, Transport and Economy giving an update on Climate Change.

The Committee received and noted a presentation given by the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment on the County Council’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (Item 6 in the Minute Book).

The Director informed the Committee of the new scope and targets for the County Council, which included Carbon neutrality by 2050 for the Council’s own estate and wider Hampshire area.  He also drew their attention to the  current/planned activities for the county estate, transport, innovation/engagement and natural environment.

He also advised that the County Council had an important role to lead on change and engagement with parish councils, environmental groups and other partners. The Local Transport Plan was an important driver to changing ways.

Members acknowledged key strands of the Actions plan and a number of detailed questions were answered around:

·         Increase in bus subsidies

·         Promotion of cycling

·         Sharing of carbon data and targets

To consider a report of the Director of Corporate Resources providing an overview on the approach being taken to improving customer contact within the County Council.

The Committee considered a report and presentation from the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Services detailing the new approach for improving Customer Contact.

Members were made aware that the extent to which people wanted or needed to speak directly to the County Council for help or guidance was changing, as people were making greater use of digital channels and services. The new approach would enable fuller integration with departments’ front-line services, providing them with the best opportunity to:

·         Reduce the existing costly failure demand and duplication

·         Design and manage their contact services in a way which better supports their broader service model and the accurate and timely resolution of enquiries for their customers.

During discussion, a number of detailed questions were answered around the ease of access and visibility to the new systems.

RESOLVED:

That the approach being taken to improving customer contact within the County Council be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Transformation and Governance – Corporate Services reviewing the work programme of topics to be considered by the Select Committee at future meetings.

The Committee received and noted the Work Programme. There were no suggested amendments.