Issue - meetings

To update the Committee following a year of using the new format.

That we continue to use the new report format which will include revised guidance on the Quality Impact Assessments.  

The Member Engagement Manager introduced a report to update the Committee following a year of using the new format,    He advised that the feedback from Members and Officers had been positive and only a slight change was required concerning the guidance on completion of the Risk Management section.  It was suggested that the report format be reviewed regularly to ensure it is effective.  

                        Councillor Dave Mackie suggested some improvements to make reports more ‘i’pad friendly.  He also referred to the need to include track changes where revised documents were submitted for consideration to ease comparison. 

                        In response to a query from Councillor Arnold Woolley concerning Equalities Impact Assessments (EIAs) the Member Engagement Manager advised that the issue of EIAs would be addressed by revising the guidance on completion of the Risk Management Section. 

Councillor Chris Bithell commented on the need to reduce duplication of information in reports to the Planning Committee.  The Member Engagement Manager agreed to raise the matter with the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment) and acknowledged the need for consistency in report writing.  The Chief Officer also emphasised the need  for all report writers to be aware of providing clear and succinct reports.

RESOLVED:

That we continue to use the new report format which will include revised guidance on the Quality Impact Assessments.