Issue - meetings

Report of the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny

RESOLVED THAT

1.    the issues that were raised at Overview and Scrutiny Committee be noted.

2.    a formal Cabinet response to the report be brought back for consideration at a future meeting of Cabinet.

Councillor Harman, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, was invited to address Cabinet. He referred to an invitation the committee had received to the St Georges and St Vincent Centre where they were given an insight into some of the difficulties faced by disabled people. Following the presentation the committee gave consideration as to what the council could do within its limited powers to address some of the issues. The Chair of O&S thanked the Cabinet Member Clean and Green Environment for his input and then explained that the Committee was seeking an action plan to be produced by Cabinet with actions the council could take within its powers to make Cheltenham a beacon council for disabled access and not just toilets. This would involve working with other providers in businesses to raise awareness of the issues and manage the situation.

In response the Cabinet Member Clean and Green Environment expressed his commitment to public toilet provision in the town. He referred to the “Changing Places” facility and work was ongoing in terms of seeking available funding to make this happen in the town. He understood that it was not just about wheelchair users but also those with profound disabilities where a carer could also be accommodated in the facility so his aim would be to go further and meet the needs of a significant number of people.

Members acknowledged that the private sector had a role to play and the Business Improvement District could raise that awareness.

Members agreed that a formal Cabinet response to the report should be brought back for consideration at a future meeting of Cabinet.

RESOLVED THAT

1.    the issues raised at Overview and Scrutiny Committee be noted.

2.    a formal Cabinet response to the report be brought back for consideration at a future meeting of Cabinet.