A number of policy motions, agreed at our Full Council meeting last month, are now being taken forward by the authority:
The creation of Area Planning Forums to make sure that new developments fit in well and complement their surroundings: Proposed by Cllr Lynette Sullivan, who represents Potters Bar Parkfield ward, and seconded by Cllr Harvey Cohen (Elstree ward):
Councillors approved the motion to establish groups comprising of local residents, councillors, developers and other stakeholders to give their insight so that new development is properly integrated into an area and provides an appropriate range of types of housing which is supported by suitable infrastructure.
Cllr Sullivan said: “The establishment of Area Planning Forums is a credible and sensible starting point for addressing the need for purposeful and well thought-out development.
"The forums will provide a structured way for councillors, residents, developers and stakeholders to work together. They will help us be a respectful and collegiate authority that leads the way in forward-looking, innovative solutions that address local concerns."
Welcoming the Government’s plans to cut NHS waiting times to 18 weeks: Proposed by Borehamwood Hillside borough councillor, Cllr Aaditya Kaza, and seconded by Cllr Renos Georgiou, who represents Potters Bar Oakmere ward.
The motion proposed that the council commits to work with the Government ‘to ensure the NHS gets back on its feet’, noting that ‘every single person on hospital waiting lists represents a life put on hold, stuck waiting for care often in pain or in fear’.
Cllr Aaditya Kaza commented: “Through this motion, we have recognised that there are currently 119,910 people waiting for care with The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust which includes Barnet Hospital & Chase Farm Hospital which both serve Hertsmere. We welcome the creation of millions more appointments to get people the treatment they need quicker.
“We also urge local residents, patients and NHS staff to take part in the Government’s ‘Change NHS’ consultation to ensure Hertsmere’s voice is heard in shaping the future of our health service.”
The trial of community skips in the borough: Proposed by Cllr Linda Smith, ward councillor for Borehamwood Cowley Hill and seconded by Cllr Marc Amron, who represents Bushey Park.
The policy motion urges officers to investigate the costs and logistics of a trial scheme of community skips and clean-up events in Hertsmere, to identify key locations and assess whether the scheme could be a financially viable and effective measure to reduce fly-tipping.
Cllr Smith said: "I know that officers are working hard to address the issue of fly-tipping in Hertsmere but, despite our recent successes, we continue to experience this problem, which blights the quality of life for people who live, work or visit the borough. I believe that the rising trend in fly-tipping means we need to develop innovative solutions to the problem.
"I am delighted we will be trialling a community skip scheme and neighbourhood clean-ups, to take a proactive approach to cleaning up our borough. The scheme will target those neighbourhoods where residents are less able to dispose of their bulky waste, and also provide a focus for community clear-up days."
Preventing child sexual exploitation: Proposed by Cllr Meenal Sachdev, ward councillor for Bentley Heath and The Royds, and seconded by Cllr Caroline Clapper, who represents Aldenham West ward.
Councillors approved the motion for the council to work with other agencies to assist in building awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation and how such practices can be recognised.
Cllr Meenal Sachdev said: "The failure to act isn't an option. We've seen too many children invalidated and blamed; their complaints drowned by a culture of silence.
"Let’s cultivate an environment that encourages reporting, demands action for suspicions, and provides unwavering support for victims. Together, let’s take a stand and show that we are not only ready but resolved to act."
To find out more about these policy motions and listen to the discussion, visit: www.youtube.com/@HertsmereWebcasts
