URL: https://democracy.northdevon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4646

Decision Maker: Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Committee considered its work programme for 2026/27 (circulated previously).   In response to questions from the Committee regarding the Pannier Market Working Group, the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive advised the following:   That the Council was currently in the process of advertising for a Town Centre Venue Asset Manager which splits the responsibilities for both the Pannier Market and Boutport Studios. It was suggested that following recruitment, the new Manager be invited to attend the Committee to provide an update on the future plans for both venues.  A meeting of the Pannier Market Working Group had not been arranged as it had been difficult to find a suitable day and time for the meeting.   RESOLVED that:   (a)   the work programme be amended as follows:                                 i.        Public Transport be removed from the work programme;                             ii.        Empty Homes be added to the work programme for December 2026 and that the Empty Homes Officer be requested to provide an update on the empty homes project, the reasons why the number of empty properties was continuing to increase and the work that was being carried out with housing developers;                            iii.        Parkwood Leisure be added to the work programme for January 2027 to provide an update to the Committee on the performance of the leisure facilities, programmes, how they were reaching out to stakeholders and the work that was being carried out with GP surgeries and that a proforma be completed setting out the purpose for the update;                            iv.        Council Tax: reasons for the delays in valuations being undertaken by the Valuation Office – that following receipt of  further information and an explanation of the reasons for delays being provided by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive that if required a proforma be completed by Councillor Bushell setting out the purpose for an update being provided to a future meeting of the Committee;                             v.        Agricultural Working Group – that a proforma be completed by Councillor Bulled setting out the reasons for the re-establishing the working group and the remit of the group;                            vi.        Feedback from the Health Inequalities Working Group following the collaborative event taking place during the Autumn and any lessons learned be added to the work programme.   (b)  a meeting of the Pannier Market Working Group be convened as soon as possible and that an update from the Working Group be provided at the next Committee meeting and that following recruitment the Town Centre Venue Asset Manager be invited to provide an update on the future plans for the Pannier Market and Boutport Studies at a future meeting of the Committee.

Date of Decision: September 3, 2026