Issue - meetings

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 July 2024 were noted to be an accurate record of the conversation.

Sam Scharf provided the following updates on matters arising:

·       An update on the Youth Strategy has been provided as a background paper to this meeting.

·       The Disabled People’s Manifesto discussion held in the July 2024 Panel meeting is to be reported back at the Environment & Community Scrutiny Committee on 20^th March. Further work has been undertaken to raise awareness about the support the council provides to disabled people – including by developing a webpage and in Cambridge Matters. The last Panel meeting has also prompted an exploration of whether equality impact assessments can be more systematically reviewed by the Equalities Panel. Further understanding is needed into how this would work alongside the new political governance process.

·       Victoria Jameson (Recruitment Manager) is still to look into collating and monitoring councillor profile data, which arose as an action at the last Panel meeting.

Helen Crowther provided an update on a question raised by Cllr Bennett on taxi accessibility. People can book taxis using apps but currently people cannot specify what sort of wheelchair taxis are being asked to transport and in the previous Panel meeting Cllr Bennett asked whether this might be raised with companies. Officers spoke to Panther who raised concerns that each passenger and wheelchair might still have specific needs best shared in conversation with a taxi provider that can have a bearing on what vehicle may be best to carry the passenger safety.

Panel members shared further matters on wheelchair accessibility that would benefit from exploration, including:

·       Cllr Smart asked whether further evidence could be collected, including from apps, as to instances where taxi drivers refuse jobs for people needing wheelchairs and mobility scooters. He also asked whether staff from taxi firms receive sufficient training to have conversations with disabled passengers about their requirements. Cllr Bird responded to share that taxi companies are going to receive training on requirements of passengers using wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

·       Cllr Bird shared that a certain number of taxi drivers with large vehicles are refusing passengers needing mobility scooters and wheelchairs. This is a problem in Cambridge and not an issue in areas like London. It can mean that disabled people are stuck at home.

·       Cllr Wade expressed support for Cllr Bird’s feedback and shared that further information and education would be beneficial to taxi companies. She also shared that Cambridge City Council might take learning from other areas such as Liverpool.

·       Sam Scharf shared that it would be beneficial for these questions and concerns to be passed onto the Environmental Health Manager at the council and for her to be invited to present to a future Panel meeting.