Agenda and draft minutes

Councillors are reminded of the need to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests that relate to business on the agenda and which have not already been included in the register of interests, before any discussion takes place on the item. Unless the interest is sensitive, you must also disclose the nature of the interest. In accordance with the Council's Code of Conduct, you must then leave the room and must not participate in any further discussion of the item. Councillors requiring clarification should seek the advice of the Monitoring Officer prior to the day of the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made by Members.

To hear evidence from the petition organisers and receive the report of the Strategic Director for Place.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting making the following statement:

“As the new Chair, I would like to say a few words about the purpose of scrutiny and how I see us working together to fulfil our function as members of this scrutiny committee.

A well-functioning Council is open to challenge, open to scrutiny. This is an important opportunity to step back, gain a strategic wider perspective on specific issues, as well as delving down and exploring what we do in detail, with the aim of improving the outcomes for the residents of Exeter, who we serve on this Council.

I believe that this is best achieved when we work together, drawing upon one another’s strengths, being open to different perspectives, and drawing upon the collective wisdom of the group. For people to speak openly and honestly, we need to create an environment of safety and trust – an environment in which everyone (fellow Councillors, Officers, members of the public, and guests) is treated with respect.

When people feel criticised, it is natural to become defensive. We have all experience that, I’m sure - wanting to defend what we’ve done and why we’ve done it. I’m sure we have also all experienced the difference it makes when people ask us questions that come from a place of genuine interest and collegiality. When we build relationships of trust, we are more able to welcome challenge. 

So, I urge us all to phrase our contributions in a way that is focused on achieving our shared aim of improving how we work as a council, and ultimately how we can improve the outcomes for the residents of Exeter. That’s what we are here for.

This is not a place for blaming, public shaming and political point scoring, as this creates an atmosphere of anxiety and mistrust. Instead, this is a place for open, honest dialogue and healthy challenge. We are all here for the same purpose and we all want to serve the residents of Exeter to the best of our ability. To do that, we need to work together.”

Councillor Moore moved scrutiny procedural rule number 16 requested that any party whip be disclosed.

Councillor Snow stated that he was Labour whip but that his party had not been whipped.

Other party whips all stated that no whip had been issued.

The Chair invited the petition organisers to present their evidence.

Sarah Hornsby presented her evidence making the following points:

·         that a more detailed report had been provided to Members ahead of the meeting and that the group had spoken to the Lifesaving Society and swimming teacher;

·         asked that Exeter City Council (ECC) reach out to Sport England and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport;

·         St Sidwell’s Point was fantastic but more liveable cities had developed since it was built and people were less active now as a result of working from home;

·         Northbrook served the whole of Exeter;

·         The petition group had worked hard researching and had spoken to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.