Agenda and draft minutes

RESOLVED: Councillor Mrs Susan Fraser was appointed Chairman for the year 2017-2018.

RESOLVED: Frances Singleterry was appointed Vice Chairman for the Year 2017-2018.

Those present were informed that the following Borough Council representatives had been appointed for the Forum for 2017-2018:

Councillor Baron Chenery of Horsbrugh

Councillor T Bubb

Councillor Mrs Susan Fraser

Councillor A Lawrence

Councillor Miss S Sandell

Councillor S Squire

Councillor A Tyler

To note any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from:

Councillor A Lawrence

Councillor S Squire

Councillor A Tyler

Tess Gilder

Andy Peacock

Kathy Warner

To confirm as a correct record the minutes from the previous Annual General meeting.

The Minutes from the Annual General Meeting held on 20^th July 2016 were agreed as a correct record.

(i) Bus Station Toilets

Allison Bingham reiterated that the colour contrast of the bus station toilets would be looked at in the next decorating schedule.  The door had already been changed three times and would not be changed again as the cost could not be justified.  There was a possibility that the operation of the door could be changed so that it was automatic.  Councillor Bubb commented that there was a disabled toilet available at the Museum.

(ii) Clifftop Toilets Hunstanton

June Leamon referred to the above toilets and felt that the sinks had a too greater reach, which could make it difficult for people with disabilities and children.  She commented that potential problems should be looked at during the design stage.

(iii) Report to Environment and Community Panel – 4^th July 2017 – Future Operation of the West Norfolk Disability Forum

A copy of the above report had been circulated to Members of the Forum in advance of the meeting.  The report presented the findings of an Informal Working Group, which had been set up by the Environment and Community Panel to look at the future operation of the West Norfolk Disability Forum.  Those present were informed that the Environment and Community Panel supported the recommendations made by the Informal Working Group, however the Environment and Community Panel did not have the power to make the decision, and a report would be presented to a future meeting of the Cabinet for consideration.

Those present were informed that the recommendations included disbanding the West Norfolk Disability Forum and appointing a Disabilities/Equalities Champion who could be contacted if any individuals or organisations had any issues that they would like to report.  The Champion would also be able to hold open meetings and surgeries as appropriate.

Those present discussed the proposals and no one objected to the proposals, but agreed that it was important to have a point of contact.  The Chairman explained that the Champion would be required to report to the Environment and Community Panel on an annual basis and if it turned out that the revised arrangements were not working, an alternative could be looked at.

There was none.

The Annual Report was noted.

To consider potential items for addition to the Work Programme.

The Work Programme would be dependent on the proposals being taken forward to Cabinet on the future of the West Norfolk Disability Forum and Members would be kept up to date as appropriate.

Pat French raised concerns about the toning tables at Lynnsport.  She reminded those present that she had previously raised concerns that they were often not working and were now located in the Wembley Room.  She felt that they were less well used now that they had been moved and there were often no staff around in the area as most of them were in the gym area.

Allison Bingham agreed to forward on her concerns.

Wednesday 20^th October 2017 at 2.30pm, venue to be confirmed.

To be confirmed.