Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Goldspink, Bartlett and Lamb.

The minutes of the meeting held 18 April 2007 were approved as a true and accurate record.

·        PCC Staff Structure – Parish Councils were advised that the key contact information could now be found on the City Council website, and that the link had been sent to Chairman and Clerks.

·        Role of Local Ward Councillor Committees – Martin Whelan confirmed that the bill was currently at the Committee Stage in the House of Lords. It was agreed to provide a fuller update once the Bill had received Royal Assent.

·        Village Refuse Collections – Henry Clark raised concerns about the lack of communication on the initiative. Martin Whelan to investigate specific concerns, subject to the Clerk putting them in writing.

Quality Parish Council Presentation – Members were advised that the presentation was provisionally scheduled for October 2007.

Paul Rossington provided an overview of the key issues and challenges faced by Parish Councils. A number of possible improvements to the system were outlined. Paul Rossington offered to either facilitate a session for all Parish Councils, or visit Parish Councils individually. Martin Whelan to collate responses.

Dale McKean sought clarification on the timescales for the implementation of IT solutions. Paul Rossington confirmed that work was ongoing with the Business Transformation Team, and that it was very good opportunity for Parish Councils to feed in any ideas. Parish Councils were advised that implementation was expected in the next few months.

David Stuart-Mogg questioned why a pilot scheme agreed with Planning Officers in 2006 to email the Parish Councils on the day that an application was submitted had not been implemented. Paul Rossington apologised for any confusion and indicated that such initiatives were needed, however suggested that there may be better mechanisms.

Following discussion it was agreed to add the following items to the provisional agenda for October :

• Quality Parish Council Status
• Neighbourhood Investment Update, including reference to any assistance available for Parish Councils to assist with the development of Parish Plans.

Cllr Holdich introduced representatives of Opportunity Peterborough and Arup. Steve Bowyer (OP) advised that this was the second round of consultation, and was focussed on developing the conceptual elements of the plan. Parish Councils were advised that the deadline for comments was 31 July. It was also noted that there would be a further round of consultation in September.

Chris Stratford gave an extensive presentation on the conceptual options, and highlighted the key questions which required resolution. The following points were made in response

• Importance of incorporating specific local knowledge
• The need to consider the use of additional properties
• Concern about using continental models, desire to see examples of good practice from local areas.
• The need to consider the challenges of developing and sustaining employment within villages.
• The importance of considering other ties such as links to Stamford that a number of villages have.

Feedback from the individual workshops was collated by Opportunity Peterborough, and members were advised that it would inform the next iteration of the study. Parish Councils agreed to an additional session being organised in September to consider the “preferred options” document.

3 October 2007