Agenda item

L Roberts introduced the report and asked the Committee for any questions.

Councillor Banks said that as Portfolio Holder she had been very impressed with how the services had overcome the problems, especially where some of the big events had to be cancelled and the efforts of the CSU.  Cllr Banks thanked everyone for all they had done.

Cllr Mahmood queried if the Council has a homeworking policy.  L Roberts confirmed that we do have policies as people were encouraged to work from home when we moved to the Forum, so we’ve been able to do it quite successfully, overall it’s been very positive.

Cllr Mahmood asked about the domestic violence and if it’s been an issue recently due to Covid.  L Roberts advised the report was for the final quarter of last year so it will be in the report for next year.

Cllr Mahmood wanted to know if targets could be revised, namely the abandoned call rates and 450 seconds, as the outputs were well within these targets.  L Roberts advised they could be changed but it would not be a great time to change them due to the impact of Covid, this could be reconsidered later in the year when we are back closer to normal.

Cllr Mahmood queried whether the Old Town Hall was closed.  L Roberts confirmed that it was and that staff were working virtually to support artists, processing refunds and working on what will happen in the future with social distancing, how it will impact on the income as we would be limited to approximately 30 seats rather than 100.

Cllr England mentioned that he was mystified how we have managed to downgrade a target without approval from Overview and Scrutiny.  L Roberts confirmed she had sent round an email detailing the change.  Cllr England requested that the target was reinstated to 210 seconds and wanted it reviewed at Committee.  Cllr Banks advised she would discuss with L Roberts and bring back to the next meeting.

Action: L Roberts/Cllr Banks

Cllr Barry enquired where the 3G pitches will be placed at Grovehill playing field.  L Roberts confirmed they would not be in the playing field, there is a concrete area at the side of the Adventure Playground.

Cllr England asked if there is any opportunities to link in to the climate emergency at Adventure Playgrounds.  L Roberts confirmed this hadn’t been specifically looked into but she will investigate the options including the costs.  Cllr England raised concerns that out of the 10years we have already had 10% of the time and unless we take decisions that will impact our carbon footprint, not worrying about the financial, we will miss the bus.

Cllr Banks highlighted that the Adventure Playground’s wooden equipment had been removed and that Grovehill had an active environmental group who go out little picking etc.

The Chairman asked what kind of feedback staff are getting from customers when they are speaking to them and how do you keep them interested, offering streaming or online events.  L Roberts clarified that we will look to see if we can stream, for example, comedy shows, but probably on you tube.  The Chairman asked if this could be investigated and also if people can book tickets for next year, paying for the tickets now.  L Roberts will investigate and provide a strategy to Committee.

Action: L Roberts

Cllr Mahmood suggested an open air theatre possibly in Gadebridge Park, you could have a stage and socially distance.