Agenda item

To confirm the minutes from the meetings held on 9^th September and 7^th October 2020.

The minutes from 09 September 2020 were agreed as correct.  The minutes from 07 October 2020 received a number of amendments which had been sent via email but hadn’t been included in the published document.  The Chairman apologised for this oversight which was due to internet problems and agreed to take a look at these additions so that the minutes can be approved at the December meeting.

Concerns were raised regarding the accuracy of the minutes and The Chairman agreed to discuss with Member Support, although it was not thought to be a regular occurrence.

A statement was provided by Cllr Banks, Portfolio Holder for Community and Regulatory.

I have been made aware of a concern from a member of the committee that I should not have taken part in the discussion at the last meeting on the Active Dacorum Hub item due to my employment at the Grovehill Community Centre.

I have reflected on the concern raised and taken advice from the Monitoring Officer.  My employment is registered on my register of interests and is therefore a disclosable pecuniary interest.  I acknowledge that where such an interest arises a member should not take any part in a discussion or decision which relates to that interest.

When I considered this matter prior to the meeting, I was of the opinion that the impact would only have had a very minor impact, if any, on the community centre and that I could still take part if I limited my involvement to points of clarification. However, having considered this further I acknowledge that the right course of action would have been to not take any part at all in order to comply with the declaration rules and to avoid any perception that my views were influenced by my involvement in the community centre. 

I appreciate and remind members that the report is currently being reconsidered by officers and I will consider that report afresh once it is finalised. If the report involves the Grovehill Community Centre I will not take part in any discussion going forward on this item and will defer any related decisions to my Cabinet colleagues.

In addition to this over the past few weeks there has been some confusion over some projects within my portfolio and I would like to clarify this to the committee if I may Chair

The Youth Proposal Project was discussed at the last H&C OSC, DBC is looking to deliver a programme of youth physical activity events with a DBC reserve budget of £44k. After really useful feedback about the delivery areas and consultation, a further report will come back to OSC early next year, as agreed at the meeting.

The money held in reserves does not, does not include funding raised by the public.

Cllr Adeleke asked for clarification on the point which had concerned him regarding the funding and where it had come from.  The Chairman confirmed that the budget £44k, for Youth Provision was the Council’s reserves and the money raised by the residents was held by Highfield Community Centre, is nothing to do with the Council.  Cllr Tindall has requested an investigation is carried out. Cllr Banks confirmed this was correct and what has been reported by the papers and on social media was incorrect.  The Chairman commented about the need for accuracy and how important it was to get clarification on any issues.