Agenda item

To receive an update on recommendations and actions following the previous Committee meeting.

Members reviewed the actions from the previous meetings. The following points were noted:

·         89, 90 and 91 (Libraries Review) – it was proposed to bring an update on the Library Service to the Committee meeting on 16 September 2025. Councillor Carolyne Culver was liaising with the Portfolio Holder to help understand aspects that could most benefit from scrutiny.

·         116 and 143 (Thames Water and Environment Agency) – Councillor Culver reported that concerns had been raised by a member of the public with Lee Dillon MP. She would liaise with the resident and Mr Dillon to obtain updates on progress. 

Councillor Jeremy Cottam queried if the ownership of Thatcham Sewage Works had been confirmed. Stephen Chard to follow up on this point. Councillor Cottam raised the importance of the careful management of the sewage works to ensure residents were not impacted. Councillor Chris Read added to this by reporting ongoing issues in Woolhampton with tanker lorries routinely travelling through the village causing damage to the main road.

·         157 (Waste Strategy (litter picking)) – Members highlighted the value that was gained from liaison between town/parish councils and volunteer litter pickers. It was highlighted that a number of parishes held litter picking kits and it was important to share that information with local communities and volunteer groups.

·         163 and 221 (housing matters) – Councillor Culver had been in contact with the relevant Portfolio Holders to help consider what elements could be progressed by the Scrutiny Committee, avoiding duplication of work by other bodies. This had resulted in social housing being the suggested area of focus. This could cover points including repairs to properties, loss of social housing provision in the area, social housing not being built (or adopted) as part of housing developments, concerns relating to anti-social behaviour and the affordability of social housing.

·         201 (water companies as statutory consultees) – the letter had been sent by Councillor Stuart Gourley to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government requesting that water companies be made statutory consultees for major planning applications. A response was awaited. This action was therefore closed.

·         229 (safer school streets) – action closed.

·         230 (Corporate Programme) – the latest Corporate Programme schedule had been circulated to Members. It was agreed that consideration of the Corporate Programme would become a standing item. It was noted that the schedule had some overdue projects. Councillor Iain Cottingham agreed to provide an update on progress with the corporate landlord model and Councillor Jeff Brooks would be asked to provide an update on progress with iTrent implementation (Phase 2).

·         232 (Waste Management Strategy) – this would be scheduled for the spring/summer of 2026. This would allow for the examination of the impact of the move to three weekly bin collections and changes to kerbside recycling. There was also the need to analyse performance in response to reports of fly tipping.

·         235 (recommendations tracker) – a tracker would be created for this Scrutiny Committee and provided with the papers for the September meeting.

Actions:

·         Consideration of the Corporate Programme would become a standing item.

·         Councillor Iain Cottingham agreed to provide an update on progress with the corporate landlord model.

·         Councillor Jeff Brooks would be asked to provide an update on progress with iTrent implementation (Phase 2).