Agenda and minutes

The Chairman opened the meeting thanking Julie Mayer for the work she had done for the Committee, as this was her last meeting.

There were no apologies.

Steve Stevenson declared a standing interest by virtue of a being a resident of Golden Lane Estate.

To agree the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 30 October 2019.

RESOLVED – that, the minutes of the previous meeting held 30 October 2019 be agreed as correct record subject to typographical amendments for items 3 and 10.

Matters Arising:

Item 4: It was noted that the forward plan did not fully reflect Members’ requests from the previous meeting. The forward plan would be amended prior to the next meeting.

Item 5: With respect to air pollution at St. Bart’s, an air quality monitor had been installed following the previous meeting. The data was being analysed and officers are working with St. Bart’s to address the data.

Report of the Town Clerk.

Members considered a report of the Town Clerk & Chief Executive relative to the annual review of the Committee’s Terms of Reference. It was noted that all Members’ terms would come to an end this year and therefore staggered terms should be implemented.

RESOLVED – that, Committee agree the following:

1)    the Composition and Terms of Reference be amended to reflect staggered terms for Members of the Committee as follows – 1 term of 4 years; two terms of 3 years; 1 term of 2 years; 2 terms of 1 year;

2)    the above be referred to the Policy & Resources Committee for agreement at its next meeting; and,

3)    the number of meetings per year increase to 4.

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

Members received a report of the Assistant Director Commissioning & Partnerships relative to patient choice for City workers in utilising outpatient services nearer to their workplaces.

It was noted that patients have a choice of any NHS service they wish, and referrals are typically made through the patient’s GP. Out-patient services are offered through an online system, which offers a choice of a number of services based on location and wait times. Patients can, however, make suggestions directly to their GP. Costs of services are dictated by the market, and services in London are more expensive. Services are referred to the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and payments are made accordingly.

It was further noted that there are limitations to the extent to which services in the City can be promoted to City workers, as the increase in referrals will cause an increase in wait times. Furthermore, doctors in the City do not have access to primary care records for patients referred from outside the City and Hackney CCG.

Members raised the issue of lack of critical care in the City, as St Bart’s does not have A&E service. As members of the public often still go to St. Bart’s for emergencies, perhaps there should be A&E there.

With respect to the table at appendix 1, officers clarified that as there is an 18-week timeframe for treatment to commence, ‘admitted clock stops’ means the patient has begun treatment; ‘non-admitted clock stops’ means the patient has commenced out-patient treatment, and ‘incomplete pathways’ refers to patient not having commenced treatment. It was further noted that in cases of suspected cancer, patients must be seen within 14 days and all test concluded within 28 days.

RESOLVED – that, the report be received and its contents noted.

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

Members received a report of the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection relative to a Deep Dive of Corporate Risk 21: Air Quality.

It was noted that data in the report showed annual averages, as pollution varies day to day. Pollution was down overall, except for at London Wall where it had increased. It was difficult to identity the cause of this increase due to traffic diversions and road works. There was increased monitoring around Beech Street due to zero emissions target. A Citizens Science Monitoring programme was in effect at the Barbican to measure pollution around the residential area.

It was further reported that planning anticipated 80% of Beech Street traffic to go through Golden Lane Estate, based on figures from diversions in previous years.

The Chairman noted that overall this was a positive story and it was important that the public be aware that air quality in the City was improving. The Town Clerk would liaise with the communications team regarding publicity.

RESOLVED – that, the report be received and its contents noted.

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

Members received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services relative to the use of personal budgets in adult social care. It was noted that the service encourages users to have a choice in their own care, however this is monitored to ensure that the service is effective and safe for the patient.

RESOLVED – that, the report be received and its contents noted.

Members are asked to note the Committee Forward Plan.

RESOLVED – that, the forward plan be received and its contents noted. Members’ suggested additions would be incorporated into the forward plan for future meetings in 2020. An additional meeting would be added in September 2020.

Deputy Chairman to be heard.

The Deputy Chairman reported that Waltham Forest was added to the list of Members and the quorum was increased. Wendy Mead offered to be a substitute at the meetings in the future should the Chairman or Deputy Chairman be unavailable to attend, and the procedure for nominating an alternate would be confirmed prior to the next committee meeting. It was reported at the meeting that Moorfields Eye Hospital planned to move to St Pancras in a consolidated site.

RESOLVED – that, the update be received.

There were no questions.

There was no other business.

MOTION - That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED – That, under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that the involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 30^th October 2019.

RESOLVED – that, the non-public minutes of the previous meeting held 30 October 2019 be agreed as a correct record.

There were no questions.

There was one item of other business discussed in confidential session.