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26. 3. 97
STRATEGY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE
17 MARCH 1997
A meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee
was held on Monday 17 March 1997 at 4.00 pm
PRESENT: Councillor David Close (Chairman),
The Mayor,
Councillors Oscar Alpers, Carole Evans,
Gordon Freeman, Pat Harrow, Ian Howell, Alister James, Garry Moore, Margaret Murray,
Denis O'Rourke and Ron Wright.
APOLOGIES: An apology for lateness was received and
accepted from Councillor Harrow. An apology
for early departure from the meeting was received
and accepted from Councillor Murray.
The Mayor arrived at 4.25 pm during the
discussion on clause 9, retired at 6.00 pm and
was present for clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10.1 and 11.
Councillor James arrived at 4.40 pm during the
discussion on clause 9 and was present for all
remaining clauses.
Councillor Murray retired at 5.10 pm and was
present for clauses 1, 2, 9 and 11.
Councillor Moore retired at 5.40 pm during the
discussion on clause 4 and was present for clauses
1, 2, 3, 9 and 11.
Councillor Freeman temporarily retired at 5.45 pm,
during the discussion on clause 4, returned at 6.10 pm
and was present for clauses 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9.4 and 11.
Councillor Harrow arrived at 6.00 pm and was
present for clauses 6, 7, 8, 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4.
Councillor O'Rourke retired at 6.00 pm and was
present for clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10.1 and 11.
The Committee reports that:
PART A - MATTERS REQUIRING A COUNCIL DECISION
1. POSTAL VOTING FOR 1998 TRIENNIAL ELECTIONS RR 4600
| Officer responsible | Author |
| Returning Officer | Max Robertson |
| Corporate Plan Output: Elections |
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this report is to enable the Council to make a decision on the way in which its election is carried out.
BACKGROUND
The final determinations issued by the Local Government Commission made the use of postal voting mandatory at the 1989 local authority elections. However, the continued use of postal voting at subsequent by-elections or triennial elections was left to the discretion of individual territorial authorities.
Section 66 of the Local Elections and Polls Act 1976 requires the Council to pass a separate resolution when it wishes to conduct postal voting in respect of any election of a member or members of the Council. Such resolution automatically applies to any election or elections conducted on behalf of other authorities, such as the Canterbury Regional Council.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF POSTAL VOTING
Postal voting has a number of well recognised advantages, and one or two inevitable disadvantages, i.e:
Advantages
1. Postal voting encourages a fuller participation by electors, and is simpler to administer.
2. Postal voting will again be employed by nearly all local authorities in 1998. There is close liaison between individual Returning Officers in the lead-up to the elections, and this creates savings through economies of scale in arranging the printing of voting papers and other items. Material issued to Returning Officers by agencies such as the Internal Affairs Department assumes the universal use of postal voting.
3. Television and newspaper advertising will in all probability be arranged on a national basis by the Internal Affairs Department on the assumption that the elections will be conducted by postal voting in all areas.
Disadvantages
1. There is a risk that some voting papers may be completed and returned by a person other than the elector to whom the voting paper has been sent. The risk of this occurring is greater in wards such as the Hagley Ward which have a higher than normal transient population.
2. Where voting papers are received by several electors in the same household, the secrecy of the ballot may be compromised by the completion of the voting papers en masse, with some attendant possibility of coercion being applied by the perceived head of the household.
Recommendation: That the following resolution be adopted:
"That the Christchurch City Council resolve that the triennial general election to be held on Saturday 10 October 1998 for the offices of Mayor, Councillors and Community Board members of Christchurch City shall be conducted by postal vote."
2. MEMBERS' REMUNERATION RR 4754
| Officer responsible | Author |
| Council Secretary | Max Robertson |
| Corporate Plan Output: Mayor, Councillors and Community Board Members |
1. INTRODUCTION
During 1996 the Minister of Local Government made a determination revising the maximum and minimum remuneration of members of regional councils, territorial authorities and community boards. The determination increased the maximum levels of remuneration by 2% with effect from 1 May 1996.
This increase is slightly less than the 3% increase sought by the Local Government Association earlier in 1996.
2. COMMUNITY BOARD MEMBERS
As in the past, the determination prescribed three separate bands of meeting allowances and salaries for Community Board members, according to the population of the community, ie:
Until recently, each of the six communities in Christchurch fell within the middle band, in that the population of each community exceeded 20,000 but was under 50,000. The determination provides that references to population mean the population as shown by the last census for which results have been published, or the population as assessed by the Government Statistician on a date subsequent to that date of that census.
The results of the 1996 census (which have only just been released) disclose the following usually resident population in each community in Christchurch City:
| Wards | 1991 | 1996 | Percentage Change | Numeric Change |
| Burwood Ward | 23,109 | 26,130 | 13.07 | 3,021 |
| Pegasus Ward | 23,697 | 24,347 | 2.74 | 650 |
| Sub-total | 46,806 | 50,477 | 7.84 | 3,671 |
| Fendalton Ward | 24,933 | 26,380 | 5.80 | 1,447 |
| Waimairi Ward | 23,600 | 25,378 | 7.53 | 1,778 |
| Sub-total | 48,533 | 51,758 | 6.64 | 3,225 |
| Hagley Ward | 23,172 | 24,557 | 5.98 | 1,385 |
| Ferrymead Ward | 24,957 | 26,442 | 5.95 | 1,485 |
| Sub-total | 48,129 | 50,999 | 5.96 | 2,870 |
| Riccarton Ward | 23,852 | 26,715 | 12.00 | 2,863 |
| Wigram Ward | 23,915 | 26,135 | 9.28 | 2,220 |
| Sub-total | 47,767 | 52,850 | 10.64 | 5,083 |
| Shirley Ward | 24,159 | 24,815 | 2.72 | 656 |
| Papanui Ward | 25,110 | 27,246 | 8.51 | 2,136 |
| Sub-total | 49,269 | 52,061 | 5.67 | 2,792 |
| Spreydon Ward | 23,917 | 24,616 | 2.92 | 699 |
| Heathcote Ward | 24,656 | 26,267 | 6.53 | 1,611 |
| Sub-total | 48,573 | 50,883 | 4.76 | 2,310 |
| Christchurch City | 289,077 | 309,028 | 6.90 |
3. COMPARISON OF PRESENT RATES AND NEW RATES
At its inaugural meeting on 6 November 1995 the Council resolved that the maximum rates then applicable to the Christchurch City Council be paid to all members, with immediate effect. The following schedule shows the rates currently paid in terms of this resolution, compared with the new maximum rates.
| CURRENT RATES (EQUAL CURRENT MAXIMA) | NEW MAXIMA | |||
| Office | Daily Meeting Allowance | Annual Salary | Daily Meeting Allowance | Annual Salary |
| Christchurch City Council | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| Mayor | - | 87,150 | - | 88,900 |
| Deputy Mayor | 170 | 29,400 | 175 | 29,900 |
| Chairpersons of Standing | 170 | 29,400 | 175 | 29,900 |
| Committees | ||||
| Councillors | 170 | 14,700 | 175 | 15,000 |
| Community Boards | ||||
| Chairpersons | 105 | 12,600 | *135 (110) | *17,140 (12,850) |
| Members | 105 | 5,670 | *135 (110) | *9,420 (5,780) |
* Population of each community now exceeds 50,000
- revised rates for previous population band shown in brackets
4. CONCLUSION
The Committee was of the view that the rates of remuneration should be set at the commencement of each Council term and should remain in place at that level for the entire term. A minority of members considered that an exception should be made for Community Board members following the announcement of the ensus results.
Recommendation: That the salaries and meeting allowances for the Mayor, Councillors and Community Board members remain at the levels set in November 1995 for the remainder of the term of this Council.
3. CONTENTS OF COUNCIL AGENDA - PART B ITEMS RR 4754
| Officer responsible | Author |
| Legal Services Manager | Peter Mitchell |
| Corporate Plan Output: Legal Advice |
This report is in response to a suggestion by Councillor Fahey at the October 1996 Council meeting that consideration be given to the need to include Part B items in the agenda for Council meetings.
The purpose of this report is to put forward an alternative system for the content of Council agendas.
At the present time Council agendas contain:
(a) Part A items from committees and community boards which legally require a decision by the Council itself;
(b) Part B items which are items that have been dealt with by the committee or community board and are reported for information only. In general terms the majority of the Council agenda would contain Part B items.
The content of the agenda is a matter for the Council itself to agree upon and from a legal perspective there is no requirement for the agenda to contain Part B items. Standing Orders 2.2.1 states:
"The local authority shall adopt an order of business which shall normally apply at ordinary meetings and may vary it from time to time."
If the Council has delegated decision-making powers to committees or community boards, then section 114P(3) of the Local Government Act 1974 states that the Council cannot rescind or amend a decision made by a committee (and the same would apply to community boards) pursuant to a delegation authorising the making of the decision.
If the Council wished to implement this system of only having Part A items on the agenda then in procedural terms minutes would be made of the committee meetings and the community board meetings would continue to be recorded in the same way as at present.
The only real difference would be the omission of all Part B items from the Council order paper.
This will have the practical effect that from time to time if a committee or community board does not have any Part A items for the Council then there will be no report from that committee or community board.
As an alternative view it can be argued that Council meetings fulfil a monitoring role of its committees and the community boards and that for this reason there is value in retaining Part B items on the Council order paper to give the Council that overall perspective.
If this change is to proceed then a change will need to be made to Standing Orders to provide for separate minutes to be kept of committee decisions. A change to Standing Orders requires the approval of three-quarters of Councillors present and voting.
Draft resolutions are set out below:
1. That the Council agenda contain only items which require a decision by the Council.
2. That Standing Order 2.11.3 be amended by deleting the second paragraph.
The Chairman commented:
One disadvantage of excluding Part B items is that separate minutes would have to be prepared. Another disadvantage of excluding Part B items is that it would deprive Councillors of a concise summary of the issues being considered by Standing Committees and Community Boards. I do not accept that it is discussion on Part B items that results in long Council meetings. The differences between the size of our agendas and the length of our meetings, as compared with those of Auckland and Wellington, arise from quite different factors including the willingness of our Council to receive deputations and undertake new activities.
Occasionally, Part B items are reported in excessive detail, and this could be brought to the attention of the Committee Secretaries concerned.
Inclusion of Part B items also enables Councillors to perform their monitoring role over areas where Standing Committees and Community Boards have delegated authority.
Recommendation: 1. That the status quo be retained, subject to attachments being included only where they are necessary for decision-making.
2. That it be noted that the Council cannot alter decisions made by Standing Committees and Community Boards under delegated authority.
4. New Zealand Government - CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ISSUES RR 4758
| Officer responsible | Author |
| Legal Services Manager | Peter Mitchell |
| Corporate Plan Output: Legal Advice |
1. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this report is to outline for elected members:
(a) The provisions in the Coalition Agreement dated 11 December 1996 between New Zealand First and the National Party regarding matters which refer to local government;
(b) Local government matters referred to in the briefing by the Department of Internal Affairs to the new Minister of Local Government, Mrs Christine Fletcher.
2. COALITION AGREEMENT
These two documents are an indication of issues that are likely to arise for Councillors' consideration in the next 12-18 months.
The Coalition Agreement is divided into policy areas followed by a statement of general direction and key initiatives of the policy. In this report I will set out the relevant policy area, the statement of general direction and then those key initiatives which refer to Local Government or Local Government issues.
The relevant matters are:
"1. Policy Area: Conservation/Lands
Statement of General Direction:
The preservation and enhancement of the environment is sound economics. Our vision is to create a clean, healthy and unique environment sustaining nature and people's needs and aspirations.
Key Initiatives of Policy:
Clarify and strengthen legislation protecting heritage sites, buildings, objects including improved documentation of important Maori sites. Ensure heritage buildings etc have affordable/reasonable access to earthquake protection insurance.
2. Policy Area: Environment
Statement of General Direction:
The preservation and enhancement of the environment is sound economics. Our vision is to create a clean, healthy and unique environment sustaining nature and the needs and aspirations of New Zealanders.
Key Initiatives of Policy:
(a) Develop national standards and guidelines for landfills, solid waste disposal, hazard substance disposal including timetable for phasing out hazardous, toxic and bioaccumulative substances.
(b) Work with waste producers to reduce waste at source - seek to reduce annual solid waste production to 50% 1990 level by turn of century. Encourage re-use and re-cycling.
(c) Effect based intent of Resource Management Act. Monitor and review the Resource Management Act outcomes to ensure appropriate.
(d) Review Resource Management Act for clarity and expedition in decision making.
3. Policy Area: Foreign Investment
Statement of General Direction:
While recognising the need for overseas capital and the need to maintain investor confidence and without eroding any existing ownership rights the Coalition agrees that as a statement of general principle it is desirable that the control and ownership of important New Zealand assets and resources be held by New Zealanders.
Key Initiatives of Policy:
Strategic Assets
Presently owned by local bodies or consumer trusts:
Power and Gas Utilities, Airports, Ports.
Any sale of over 24.9% would require prior approval of ratepayers or consumers.
I would note that the Agreement is not clear whether such a sale which triggers the prior approval of the ratepayers or consumers is only to overseas investors or would also extend to sale to New Zealanders. Any change to legislation would be additional to the special consultative procedures in the Local Government Act.
4. Policy Area: Justice
Statement of General Direction:
Modern and progressive legislative measures to update public law.
Key Initiatives of Policy:
Ensure both police and local authorities have greater powers to remove gang fortifications without delay.
A similar statement is made in the Law and Order and Police Policy area of the Agreement.
5. Policy Area: Local Government
Statement of General Direction:
To maintain the framework local government to operate according to the principles of democracy, accountability and economy.
Key Initiatives of Policy:
Undertake regular audits of economy, efficiency and effectiveness of local government units.
This will include - inter alia:
Numbers of elected politicians
Charging systems and levels
The separation of regulatory and service provision functions.
Competitive tendering and contracting of appropriate services.
Use of RMA legislation - note this implementation of recommendations may require Ministry for the Environment to develop and impose guidelines.
The role and relevance of regional government units.
Agree to study the following issues to ascertain whether better options are available than present practices:
Dog control.
Noise control
Implications of Court decisions on GST on local body rates.
6. Policy Area: Tourism
Statement of General Direction:
To maximise foreign exchange and employment benefits to New Zealand for the development of quality, sustainable tourism.
Key Initiatives of Policy:
Encourage the development of the infrastructure required to resource the tourism sector, especially by local authorities, in a way which imposes reasonable cost on users.
7. Policy Area: Transport
Statement of General Direction:
To provide for a quality, efficient infrastructure as a priority for New Zealand in the 21st century.
Key Initiatives of Policy:
Work with local and central governments and require development of longer term planning that reduces dependence on private car for inner-city transport (Environment Policy 1996).
In the state services area there are also two matters which may have an indirect effect upon the Council although at this stage it is intended that they be confined to central government. Those two initiatives are:
"(a) Review the Official Information Act with a view to increasing the availability and transparency of official documents.
(b) Work towards the development of a Citizens' Charter to identify the public services delivered by government/state-owned agencies and the quality standards required."
3. INTERNAL AFFAIRS BRIEFING
The Department of Internal Affairs provides policy advice to the Minister of Local Government on local government and this is achieved through the Department of Internal Affairs Policy Group.
In its briefing papers to the new Minister the Department identifies three major issues for the local government sector:
"(a) "Strategic Directions for Local Government: 1996 to 2010";
(b) Review of the Rating Powers Act 1988;
(c) Review of the water and waste water provisions in the Local Government Act."
The Department's statement on the "Strategic Directions" project is tabled.
At the present time this matter has been dealt with through Local Government New Zealand on behalf of local authorities.
The Department's report refers to officials reporting back to the Cabinet Strategy Committee in November 1996 with an indication of the likely direction of the proposed discussion document. The Department advises that Cabinet has yet to consider this issue.
The Director of Policy and the writer will monitor the progress of this project and ensure that Councillors are informed on a regular basis as to its progress.
With regard to (b) the Department has put in place a review of the Rating Powers Act 1988 which it anticipates will be completed by June 1998.
The Department believes that the 1988 Act is outdated following local body amalgamation in 1989 and also as a result of the new financial provisions contained in the Local Government Act and which will come into force for this Council on 1 July 1998.
The Department states that the scope and terms of reference for the exercise are still being developed and that it is anticipated the terms of reference will be submitted to the Government for approval in early 1997.
The Department at this stage anticipates the following major policy issues to be involved:
1. Rating of Maori land and the implications of the Treaty of Waitangi.
2. Rating of Crown land.
3. The adequacy and nature of the range of rating and charging mechanisms available.
4. Rates relief mechanisms.
5. Rating exemptions.
6. Procedural requirements for setting rates in light of the new financial provisions in the Local Government Act.
The Department notes that it does not anticipate that issues such as revenue sharing between central and local government will be an approved objective for examination.
With regard to (c) the Department notes that the review of water and waste water has been ongoing for approximately two years and that it is proposed to carry out a survey of local authorities which will explain to them their powers under the current legislation and ask them to identify:
1. How they are currently delivering their services.
2. Whether they have plans to substantially change their delivery mechanisms.
3. Key barriers to their improving their effectiveness and efficiency of their water and waste water operations, e.g. network powers for contractors, and adequate and appropriate pricing mechanisms.
The Department anticipates that this survey will show whether there is a need for a holistic review of the legislation, or whether minor amendments to existing legislation will be sufficient.
Recommendation: 1. That the Waste Manager prepare for the consideration of the City Services Committee a draft submission in support of policy initiative 2(b), (Reduction of Solid Waste).
2. That the City Streets Manager prepare for the consideration of the City Services Committee a draft submission endorsing the thrust of policy 7 (Transport) and seeking a review of the current funding arrangements to enable this policy to be implemented.
3. That the Minister of Local Government be invited to discuss the foregoing issues with the Council when she next visits Christchurch.
4. That the Council initiate discussions with the major metropolitan local authorities on likely legislative changes affecting local government.
5. That the Council endeavour to develop an effective relationship with Local Government New Zealand on the key issues affecting local government.
5. PATHWAYS TO SUSTAINABILITY RR 4745
| Officer responsible | Author |
| Director of Policy | Jonathan Fletcher |
| Corporate Plan Output: Elected Member Representation |
The purpose of this report is to seek the Committee's view on whether to send anybody to a Conference on Pathways to Sustainability.
The Council recently received a brochure and associated information on a conference entitled "Pathways to Sustainability : Local Initiatives for Cities and Towns" to be held in Newcastle, Australia from 1-5 June 1997.
The conference has as its core objective to exchange ideas, showcase practical case studies, give opportunities for debate and engage local communities in progress towards local and therefore global sustainability. It will:
Be a working conference where the world's best examples of local Agenda 21 responses are showcased and reviewed.
Provide the final phase in an international review of local Agenda 21 with the outcomes presented to a Special General Assembly of the United Nations in New York scheduled for 9-13 June 1997.
Present the opportunity to report and apply the outcomes from Habitat 2 by confirming commitments and establishing actions.
Allow for local government, businesses and community leaders and professional practitioners from Australia and throughout the world to learn together the skills and processes needed to improve the social and physical environment of their cities and towns.
The first day (Monday 2 June) is largely taken up with plenary sessions from people ranging from Bob Carr, the Premier of New South Wales, through the Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, to the Director of the Environmental Department of the World Bank. For the following three and a half days the conference then runs in three streams.
1. Creating Pathways containing a wide range of case studies which explore the political and practical lessons which have been learned about local sustainability. This stream offers practitioners and mangers from both within and outside of local government case examples which can be adapted and applied in their own context.
2. Rethinking Community which aims to explore the important area of building and empowering community. The sessions will embrace themes such as `What is community?' `How do we learn? and "How do we change?'. This stream will be of practical interest to those involved in social change and community action.
3. Partnerships which is a stream which aims to explore the important link between the business sector and local sustainability. This stream has been designed to highlight the growing experience of business as well as exploring the growing need for partnerships across all sectors. This stream will be of interest to business, government and the community.
Within these streams there are a number of sub-options. For example, on the Creating Pathways stream on the second day there are four options including :
I estimate that the cost of attending the conference is approximately NZ$2,800 per person (including air fare, accommodation, and registration). Registration should be made before 1 April 1997.
Recommendation: That the Chairman of the Strategy and Resources Committee, possibly along with other Council representatives, attend the above conference.
6. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAMME RR 4786
| Officer responsible | Authors |
| Personnel Manager | EEO Consultative Committee and Barbara Newman, EEO Co-ordinator |
| Corporate Plan Output: Personnel Services, EEO Implementation |
The Local Government Act Section 119G provides that every local authority shall develop and publish an Equal Employment Opportunities programme for their local authority.
The EEO Consultative Committee submits the following as the EEO Programme for the 1997/1998 Annual Plan year.
The EEO Consultative Committee shall:
Pursue results as identified in its Team Value Statement.
SPECIFIC ACTIONS
1. EEO Consultative Committee Role, Structure, Membership, Term
1.1 Monitor the Committee's role, structure, membership and term on an annual basis.
2. Recruitment and Selection
2.1 Monitor the results of selection panel training.
2.2 EEO review of personnel recruitment policy and practices.
2.3 Make recommendations based on the review and follow up on their implementation.
2.4 Report back to all staff.
3. Training and Development
3.1 Continue to monitor development and learning practices.
3.2 EEO review of Performance Development System and practices by:
3.3 Continue to conduct EEO Workshops on EEO principles and the Christchurch City Council EEO Policy for all staff.
3.4 Review in August 1997 the effectiveness of the EEO workshops.
3.5 Promote communication training for all staff that incorporates equity aspects.
4. Equal Employment Opportunities Review of the Organisation
4.1 Report annually on the employment profile of the Council.
4.2 Invite staff from target groups to raise EEO issues and/or strategies related to their target group in focus groups or individually.
4.3 Follow up with issues or recommendations from focus groups or individuals.
4.4 Review results of EEO related questions in organisation climate survey.
4.5 Follow up with recommendation from results.
5. Communication and Promotion
5.1 Review in November 1997 the strategy for the communication and promotion of EEO in Council.
5.2 Review in November 1997 the role of the specialist communications and promotions member.
5.3 Finalise and distribute the procedures brochure by July 1997 that outlines the steps involved when EEO representatives are contacted.
5.4 Facilitate Target Group Networks
Target group representatives to provide the opportunity for the development of networks.
Target group representatives to report back quarterly to committee meetings and to the monthly working party meetings.
Recommendation: That the EEO programme be approved for inclusion in the Council's Annual Plan for 1997/1998.
7. SPECIAL FUNDS CONSOLIDATION RR 4747
The Funds Manager reported, advising that it was necessary for the Council to give effect to the 1996/97 Annual Plan and Budget intention to consolidate the following Special Funds of the former authorities into the Capital Development Reserve:
| Hornby Mall Upgrade Fund (Ex PCC) | $10,503.30 |
| College Of Education Fund (Ex WDC) | $11,099.02 |
| Church Corner Car Park Fund (Ex WDC) | $613,488.57 |
| Wairakei Greers Car Park Fund (Ex WDC) | $7,616.98 |
| Parklands Library Development Reserve (Ex WDC) | $35,823.95 |
| Jellie Park Waterslide Fund (Ex WDC | $417,171.21 |
| Jellie Park Heat Pump Fund (Ex WDC) | $92,480.29 |
| Jellie Park Indoor Pool Fund (Ex WDC) | $17,851.93 |
| Bexley Reserve Land Purchase Fund | $17,817.50 |
| Property Purchase Fund (Ex PCC) | $214,829.64 |
| Land and Building Fund (Ex RBC) | $5,778.81 |
| Hornby Traffic Signal Fund (Ex PCC) | $89,707.72 |
| Travis Swamp Drainage Fund | $39,478.90 |
Recommendation: That the Special Funds listed above be closed and the balance be transferred to the Capital Development Fund.
8. ORDERS FOR SUPPLIES EXCEEDING 50% of delegated authority RR 4746
A schedule listing the orders for supplies and works approved under delegated authority and exceeding 50% of that authority is tabled.
Recommendation: That the information be received.
PART B - ITEMS DEALT WITH BY THE COMMITTEE AND
REPORTED FOR INFORMATION ONLY
9. DEPUTATIONS BY APPOINTMENT
Canterbury Health - Patient Care Inquiry
A deputation comprising Dr Peter Moller (spokesperson), Professor Gary Nicholls and Dr Philip Bagshaw waited on the Committee to outline the concerns of the Medical Staff Association in relation to the forthcoming Inquiry into Patient Care at Christchurch Hospital.
Dr Moller advised that the association's prime concern was that the requirement for submissions to be made in writing could discourage prospective submitters from participating in and contributing to the Inquiry.
The deputation sought financial assistance from the Council towards the cost of setting up a support framework to assist patients and their relatives in preparing their submissions.
During the ensuing discussion on the request, concerns were also raised regarding the scope of the Inquiry.
The Committee resolved that the City Manager report direct to the Council on this issue, taking into account the points raised by the deputation and by members of the Committee.
The report will be separately circulated to Councillors prior to the Council meeting.
10. ITEMS RECEIVED
The Committee received the following reports:
9.1 Territorial Authorities -Mandatory Functions RR 4656
9.2 Ghenghis Khan Underwriting RR 4759
9.3 Six Monthly Review of Financial Results to 31 December 1996 RR 4753
9.4 Corporate Plan - 1996/97 Six Monthly Monitoring Reports
11. ITEM DEFERRED
10.1 Payment of Meeting Allowances To Outside Members of Committees and Sub-Committees RR 4779
The Committee deferred consideration of the above report until the April meeting of the Committee.
The meeting concluded at 6.15 pm
CONSIDERED THIS 26TH DAY OF MARCH 1997
MAYOR