Agenda and minutes

The Chair to note any apologies for absence.

There were none.

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.

Michael Jones addressed the Scrutiny Panel and commented that he would like the Council to consider including the gardens, parkland and buildings which comprise Abington Park into the new trust of which the erstwhile Manor House is to be the centre piece.  He added that his vision is to raise the whole experience of visiting Abington park to one similar to the best of National Trust properties where people are attracted by the house, enjoy the gardens and parkland and spend money through eating and shopping in ancillary buildings.  Mr Jones concluded his address by advising that the Friends of Abington Park had previously submitted a vision document to the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member that set out the case for making the whole estate a Trust. The vision had been turned down as plans were already advance to make the Museum a Trust.  Mr Jones referred the Scrutiny Panel to the summary contained within the vision.   Mr Jones felt that the inclusion of the park in the Trust would lead to a much better park experience.

The Chair thanked Mr Jones for his address.

The Scrutiny Panel commented and heard:

·         Abington Park is one of the town’s premier parks.

·         The proposal submitted by the Friends of Abington Park had been given  a lot of consideration, however, the preferred option was that of a Museum Trust and Park Management Committees for the parks.

The Scrutiny Panel to elect a Deputy-Chair.

It was proposed by Councillor Brian Sargeant and seconded Councillor Samuel Shaw that Councillor Sally Beardsworth is elected the Deputy Chair of the Scrutiny Panel.

AGREED:      That Councillor Sally Beardsworth is elected Deputy Chair of the Scrutiny Panel.

The Scrutiny Panel to scope the Review.

The Chair presented the draft scope of the Review for consideration. 

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.

AGREED:           (1) 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.