Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Committee Members, Councillors Stephen Booth and Mason Humberstone. Apologies were also received from Councillor Conor McGrath who had been invited to attend the meeting in their capacity as Portfolio Holder for Stronger Communities which included Equalities and Diversity.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Community Select Committee held on Thursday 28 November 2024.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Community Select Committee held on 28 November 2024 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive a presentation on Equalities, Diversity & Inclusion to help orientate Members regarding the scrutiny review.

The Committee received a presentation from the Council’s Corporate Policy and Research Officer, who provided an overview of the Council's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) activities. They explained that the work was underpinned by the Equality Act, which protected individuals from discrimination and identified nine protected characteristics. The Committee heard that the Council also considered socio-economic status in its EDI work to better understand and serve the local community.

The Corporate Policy and Research Officer highlighted the Council's EDI Action Plan, implemented in 2023 and reviewed annually, which included 18 actions across six key objectives. Quarterly updates and an annual progress report ensured ongoing monitoring and improvement. Key actions included initiatives such as the Healthy Stevenage Partnership, the publication of the Equality and Diversity Annual Report, and the introduction of a Race Equality Bill encompassing ethnicity reporting. Other notable activities included community safety programmes, partnerships aimed at improving youth opportunities, and internal staff networks.

The Corporate Policy and Research Officer outlined the Council's annual Equality and Diversity Report. Recent data revealed that Stevenage had a population of 90,000, with diverse demographics, including the third-largest LGBTQ population in Hertfordshire, and a higher proportion of residents with disabilities compared to the national average.

The Committee were informed that Equality Impact Assessments (EQIAs) were conducted for all new policies and strategies to ensure their impact on protected characteristic groups was considered. Examples included policies related to cemetery accessibility, gender reassignment name changes, and safeguarding strategies. The Corporate Policy and Research Officer confirmed that EQIAs were included with relevant policy documents submitted to Cabinet.

The presentation also covered the Council’s two EDI working groups: the Officer Equality Group, which oversaw action plan progress, and the Equality Diversity Governance Group, which included councillors and ensured member awareness of EDI initiatives. Additionally, the Council supported staff networks for LGBTQ and women’s groups, with plans to expand to a neurodiversity network.

The Corporate Policy and Research Officer concluded with an update on the EDI Event Calendar, an internal resource for tracking equality-related events, which was being revised for potential external use.

Throughout the presentation, Members asked a number of questions.

Responding to questions regarding the data, Officers explained that the data was predominantly sourced from the census but also included internal data, workforce information, and other published national and local data. They noted that Herts Insight was a key source for additional data. Officers clarified that the data was primarily presented for Stevenage as a whole. However, ward specific queries could be addressed if needed.

Responding to a question related to the accessibility of Equality Impact Assessments (EQIA’s), Officers stated that while not all EQIAs were readily available, examples were provided on the Council’s website. They also noted that every policy or strategy submitted to Cabinet includes an attached EQIA, making them publicly accessible once published.

In response to questions regarding the Equality and Diversity Governance Group, Officers explained that not all protected characteristic groups were directly represented by individuals on the Equality and Diversity Governance Group  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To receive and comment on the scoping document for the Equalities, Diversity & Social Inclusion scrutiny review.

The Chair opened a discussion regarding the Equality, Diversity & Social Inclusion – Scrutiny Review Scoping Document.

Areas highlighted for further discussion were:

·       Community Cohesion and Engagement

·       Representation and Inclusivity

·       Accessibility & Disability Considerations

·       Policy Impact

Discussing a future meeting focussed on addressing community cohesion in Stevenage, and public concerns related to refugees housed in hotels. Councillors discussed the misinformation, perceptions, and tensions within the community, as well as the Council's responsibility to address these issues constructively while clarifying its role and limitations.

The discussion touched on broader concerns, including public safety, community engagement, and ensuring transparency in addressing sensitive topics.

Members expressed the need to strike a balance between advocating for the community, managing perceptions, and providing accurate information to prevent the escalation of community tensions.

The discussion highlighted challenges in scheduling meetings to address community concerns, especially given the sensitive nature of the topics and the broader scope of the council’s ongoing work.

Members commented on the need to consider:

·       Misinformation and Community Tensions

·       Public Safety and Perception

·       The Council’s Role and Limitations

·       Community Engagement and Advocacy

The Committee held a discussion regarding the best approach to ensure effective scrutiny of a contentious and sensitive topic.

Members expressed the importance of balancing open and transparent engagement with the need to manage sensitive discussions constructively.

Members expressed a range of perspectives regarding the best way forward and it was agreed that the Committee would hold a dedicated meeting to focus on community cohesion with Members bringing structured questions to address public concerns and continue clarification of the Council's role and responsibilities in this matter.

These actions aimed to foster greater understanding, mitigate misinformation, and ensure that all voices were heard in a respectful and productive manner.

To consider any Part I business accepted by the Chair as urgent

There was no Urgent Part I Business.

To consider the following motions:

1. That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the ground that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in paragraphs 1 – 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.

2. That Members consider the reasons for the following reports being in Part II and determine whether or not maintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

Not required.

To consider any Part II business accepted by the Chair as urgent

There was no Urgent Part II Business.