Agenda and minutes

The Chair to note any apologies for absence.

The Chair welcomed all to the inaugural meeting of the Scrutiny Panel and thanked all for volunteering to join this in-depth Scrutiny Review.  He highlighted the importance and sensitivity of the topic under review.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Brian Oldham.  The Chair advised the Scrutiny Panel that Councillor Brian Sargeant had decided to come off the membership of the Panel.

Members to state any interests. Declarations will be for the life of this Scrutiny Review.

There were none.

The Chair to note public address requests.

The public can speak on any agenda item for a maximum of three minutes per speaker, per item.  You are not required to register your intention to speak in advance but should arrive at the meeting a few minutes early, complete a Public Address Protocol and notify the Scrutiny Officer of your intention to speak.

There were none.

The Scrutiny Panel to elect a Deputy-Chair.

It was proposed by Councillor Dennis Meredith    and seconded by Councillor Graham Walker that Councillor James Hill  is elected Deputy Chair of this Scrutiny Panel.  Upon a vote it was AGREED:

That the Deputy Chair of this Scrutiny Panel is Councillor James Hill.

The Scrutiny Panel to scope the review.

The Chair presented the draft scope of the Review for consideration.  It was felt that Child Sexual Exploitation, Human Trafficking and Domestic Slavery was a very wide topic and it would be more beneficial for this Scrutiny Review to focus on the Borough Council’s role in tackling CSE.

The Scrutiny Panel scoped its review, making suggestions and additions to the draft scope.  The scope would be presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 13 June 2016 for approval.

It was felt that the title of the Scrutiny Panel should therefore be changed to  Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).  It was also felt that the purpose of the Scrutiny Panel should be changed to “to ensure Northampton Borough Council (NBC) plays an active role in tackling Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)”.

AGREED:           (1) That it be suggested to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee that the title of the Scrutiny Panel is changed to Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).    

(2) That it be suggested to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee that the purpose of the Scrutiny Panel is changed to “to ensure Northampton Borough Council (NBC) plays an active role in tackling Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) ”.

(3) That the scope of this Scrutiny Review is presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 13 June 2016 for approval.  A copy of the Scope is appended to the minutes.