Issue - meetings

To consider updates from the various Task Groups.

Consideration was given to a report, updating the Panel on the progress made in respect of the Partnerships Workstream Task Group and the Customer Access Task Group.

Partnerships Workstream

With regard to the Task Group relating to Partnerships Workstream, it was noted that a number of meetings had taken place between strategic partners in relation to how the different partners would engage with the Community and Cheshire East Council.

The Panel were informed that an engagement/development workshop with partners was to be held on 26 January 2009 at Tatton Park, Knutsford with over 25 people were attending the event.

The Panel sought clarification if the event was open to all Cheshire East Councillors.  It was suggested that the Senior Member Services Officer confirm if the event was open to all Councillors with the Officer responsible for organising the event.  If it was then an email would be circulated to all Members.

In respect of work that was commencing in the agreed neighbourhood pilot areas, clarification was sought from the Portfolio Holder for Capacity and Performance as to the scope of the pilot schemes and if Disley and Adlington as well as Poynton were also included in the pilot scheme.

In response to this the Portfolio Holder confirmed that a pilot scheme for each of the areas highlighted in the report would commence prior to 1 April 2009.

Clarification was also sought as to what the pilot scheme would involve.  The Portfolio Holder agreed to obtain further information and report back to the next meeting.

Customer Access

With regard to the Task Group relating to Customer Access it was noted that the shared services issues with Dalton House was being addressed.

Feedback from the Telephone Self-Delivery pilot was due in the next three to four weeks.  It was hoped that feedback from this pilot would be positive.

The Group was also considering face-to-face opportunities in rural areas and work respect of this was scheduled to be undertaken shortly in conjunction with the Cheshire Rural Retail Partnership.  Furthermore Officers had liaised with some Members of Cheshire East Council as to the services that could be delivered in remote areas including the possibility of using the Post Office to deliver some local services.

Consideration was given to the possibility of using facilities such as video conferencing and teleconferencing to provide remote access to some services.

The next meeting of the Group was scheduled for 4 February, however a number of Members were unable to make this date and it was requested that the possibility of changing the meeting to another date be investigated.

RESOLVED

That the updates be noted.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Panel would take place on Thursday 5 March 2009 at 2.00pm at Westfields, Sandbach.