(a)          Decision(s)

            That Council be recommended to:

(1)   Approve the updated Health and Safety Policy and Strategy for it’s implementation.

(2)   Authorise the Director with responsibility for finance, after consultation as necessary with the Corporate Health and Safety Board and/or Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste to make any changes to reflect, as appropriate the comments expressed by the Finance and Services Scrutiny Committee, and in particular to reflect:-

o   Changes in legislation and Statutory Requirements.

o   Changes in British Standards.

o   The introduction of ‘new machinery or technology’.

o   Changes in nominated responsible persons.

o   Changes in the responsibilities of nominated persons.

o   Changes in management policy and/or procedures.

(b)          Reason(s) for Decision(s)

It is essential for the Council to have a comprehensive approach to health and safety and that this is properly embedded within the organisation.  The existing Policy/Strategy have not been reviewed for a while and the latest refresh takes account of changes in legislation and the transformational changes that have taken place within the organisation.

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

Not to undertake a refresh of the existing Policy/Strategy but this would not be acceptable and an abrogation of the Council’s responsibilities.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

This is a policy framework issue and will be the subject of a report to full Council.  As such the above recommendations are not subject to call-in.

The Finance and Services Scrutiny Committee had however also considered this matter and the Chairman of that Committee attended the Cabinet meeting to elaborate upon his Committee’s deliberations.  The Committee had made a number of comments and the Chairman reported these to Cabinet.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste gave an assurance, that where relevant and appropriate the Committee’s views would be reflected in the finalised documents prior to publication

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.