(a)        Chair’s Introduction

Prior to the consideration of the matters set out in the agenda, the Chair outlined their expectations of the standard of conduct and behaviour to be shown at the meeting.

(b)        Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Folkard, Line (substitute: Cllr Borton) and Ward.

The following interests were declared at the meeting:

(a) Councillor Borton – Minute 20 (School Admissions Arrangements) – Council appointed Governor at Milton Hall school; Minute 23 (EPUT) – Daughter is one of the matrons/services mentioned in the report.

(b) Councillor Nevin – Minute 24 (oral and dental health inequalities) – NHS Employee.

(c) Councillor O’Connor – Minute 23 (EPUT) – Works for South Essex Advocacy Services.

(d) Councillor Richardson – Minute 23 (EPUT) – Works as a therapist.

There were no questions from members of the public relating to the responsibilities of the Committee.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 11^th July 2023 be confirmed as a correct record.

The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health), by way of pre-Cabinet scrutiny presenting the school admission arrangements for Community Schools 2025/26 and the coordinated admission scheme for academic year 2025/26.

Resolved:

That the report to Cabinet be noted.

The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities), by way of pre-cabinet scrutiny, presenting the proposed Southend Domestic Abuse Strategy 2023-2026.

On consideration of the report the Cabinet Member for Public Health, Adult Social Care and Constitutional Affairs, informed the Committee that since the publication of the report a number of minor changes have been to the strategy.

The Committee discussed the report in detail and asked a number of questions which were responded to by the Cabinet Member and Executive Director (Adults and Communities).

Resolved:

That, subject to minor amendments/changes, the report to Cabinet be noted.

At its meeting on 31 January 2023, the Committee supported an undertaking of the Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Parking that the performance of Vecteo be reported on a quarterly basis going forward.

The Committee received a report in relation to the ongoing monitoring of the performance of the Vecteo Joint Venture Company established for the provision of passenger transport services.

The Committee discussed the frequency of reports and agreed that a further performance monitoring report is presented to the 6^th December 2023 with a view to six monthly thereafter.

Resolved

That the report be noted.

Note: This is a Scrutiny function.

The Committee received a presentation from the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operating Officer, providing an overview of EPUT’s key priorities and progress.

The Committee asked a number of questions which were responded to by the CEO and Chief Operating Officer from EPUT.

Resolved:

That the presentation on EPUT be noted.

The Committee received a presentation from the Director of Public Health, supported by MSE ICB, regarding oral and dental health inequalities in Southend.  The Committee also considered the evidence which Healthwatch Southend had submitted to the House of Commons Select Committee on Health and Care in respect of NHS Dentistry.

The Committee asked a number of questions which were responded to by the Director of Public Health and health representatives.  The Director of Public health informed the Committee that this matter would also be presented to the Southend Health and Wellbeing Board in December 2023.

Resolved:

That the presentation and the Health and Social Care Inquiry into NHS Dentistry be noted.

The Chair informed the Committee that there will be a focus on children and young people’s transition into adulthood at the next meeting.