Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Committee Members, Councillors Kamal Choudhury and Lynda Guy.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Community Select Committee held on 8 January 2024.

Minutes to follow.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Community Select Committee held on 8 January 2024 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive input from guest contributors regarding the Equalities Act (2010) protected characteristic groups of Age and Disability.

The Committee meeting focused on gathering information from guest contributors regarding the Equality Act (2010) and its protected characteristics of Age and Disability. The main emphasis was on listening to real-life evidence from guests and community members.

The Chair invited Lorna Scardifield, who represented Age Concern, to address the Committee. She provided insights into the support available for older people and discussed the provision of benefit advice and housing options, highlighting the importance of face-to-face interactions. Lorna identified a number of key priorities for older individuals, such as the need for more benches in the town due to the relocation of the bus interchange. Additionally, she mentioned that Age Concern was in the process of moving to a new location, managed by Hertfordshire County Council, and they were awaiting further updates on the transition but would remain open from Wednesday to Saturday.

In response to a question from the Chair, Lorna advised that a current concern related to the impact of the recent cut to the Winter Fuel Payment, which had caused significant worry among older residents. Before Christmas, Age Concern had experienced a surge in residents seeking advice about the changes. A major barrier was that many older people were unable to access online services, leading them to seek in-person support.

The Chair acknowledged the concerns around digital exclusion and mobility issues. It was suggested that these issue be noted as a recommendation for consideration by the Environment and Economy Select Committee.

Lorna informed the Committee that there had been plans to provide a mobility scooter hire service from the bus station, with a designated storage facility proposed at the side of the station. However, due to changes in Council staff supporting the project, the plans had not moved forward.

A member expressed concern upon discovering these plans had not moved forward and suggested that this should be recorded as a specific recommendation for the review. Subject to funding being available to support such a project, officers would investigate what would be required to create a mobility buggy storage and hire options from the bus interchange.

At this juncture, discussions took place regarding the number of mobility scooters available at Age Concern. It was noted that they previously had nine scooters when based in Swingate but now had five due to a reduction in space. It was also noted the main need was for suitable locations, rather than acquiring additional scooters.

The Committee commended the efforts of the Age Concern team, particularly highlighting the opportunity for people to test different types of scooters and walkers. A question was raised regarding restrictions on selling second-hand mobility scooters. It was clarified that due to the organisation’s public liability insurance policy, they were only able to purchase new mobility scooters.

The Chair introduced Lahaina Sutherland, the Stevenage Youth Mayor, who addressed matters concerning young people of Stevenage. She invited open questions from the group, focusing on topics such as education and equality. The Youth Mayor shared her experiences as a young person  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

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.