Issue - meetings

Report of Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Rebecca Whippy

(Non-key decision):

That Cabinet agree in principle to an access audit being undertaken, subject to a detailed scope being developed including resourcing requirements.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Regeneration and Planning seeking their agreement for an audit to be undertaken to determine the current levels of accessibility of public buildings and services for disabled people.

Visiting member, Councillor Freebody addressed the Cabinet on this item.

Further work was needed to fully scope the audit and to determine the resource requirements. Once this was undertaken, a report would be considered by Cabinet at a future meeting.

Councillor Whippy outlined the ambition of the project that would see Eastbourne Borough Council as a leading expert on the topic and eventually advise other Councils.

The Cabinet congratulated Councillor Whippy for completing 12 hours of professional development at the Access Audit course.

Resolved (Non-key decision):

That Cabinet agree in principle to an access audit being undertaken, subject to a detailed scope being developed including resourcing requirements.

Reason for decision:

An access audit would enable the council to determine the current levels of accessibility for disabled people of public buildings and services in the Borough. As well as raising the profile of access issues the audit could also act as a catalyst for driving improvements in accessibility. It would also help ensure that the council is fulfilling its duties under the Public Sector Equality Duty.