Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Leadbetter, Councillor Newby, Karen Devaraj (Citizens Advice), Caroline Aird (Age UK), and Denise Dearden (Trading Standards).

Councillor Morse presented the proposed new terms of reference.

It was recognised that there was very much a need for these Forum meetings when initially established.  However, as individual issues cannot be raised, it was difficult to identify agenda items and therefore suggested that meetings should be reduced to once a year unless specific issues need to be debated which relate to all parks.  In addition, other agencies such as Age UK are unable to commit to attending meetings due reductions in their services, although remain supportive of the Forum. 

Representatives should lead on agenda items and would continue be contacted in advance of meetings, and can also advise the City Council of suggested items at any time.

Any issues specific to sites should ideally be raised through a residents or community association, inviting councillors if appropriate, although this could not be facilitated by the City Council due to resource implications.  The importance of engaging and maintaining links between the City Council, councillors and residents at a grass roots level to try to solve issues before they come to a head was emphasised.

It was agreed that the revised Terms of Reference be adopted.

Councillor Morse advised that as Portfolio Holder for Place, which included private sector housing, it was not considered appropriate for her to continue to take the Chair.

Councillor Morris was appointed as Chair.

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 April 2017 were agreed.

Keith Williams reported that as there were only four mobile home sites in Exeter, it was marginal if there was any value in charging for site licences.

This was due to be considered by a Task and Finish Group during 2017, but has not taken place due to prioritising of other issues.  However, a Scrutiny Work Programme meeting is scheduled for 13 November where future Task and Finish Groups and priorities will be set.  An update will be provided after this time.

The Chair advised that if a Task and Finish Group was held on site licence charges, it may be useful for one or two residents representatives to be invited.

A resident referred to the suggestion at a previous meeting that an article could be placed in the Exeter Citizen about the Forum, as this had not been included to date.

Residents raised concerns around issues being experienced with dog walkers walking through mobile home sites and leaving litter and, in particular, dog fouling.

It was advised that this is private land and not public highway so there is no obligation on the City Council, but Councillor Brimble, as Portfolio Holder for Place could be contacted to advise of the issues and to identify if something can be done in the surrounding area, or if any other information or advice could be given.

Any other issues that residents consider could be an appropriate future agenda item should be emailed to the City Council.

It was agreed that the next meeting would be held in summer 2018 and a date would be advised in due course.

A meeting would be scheduled if any urgent items arise that need to be discussed before this date.