Issue - items at meetings - Review of scrutiny arrangements

Report of the Director of Strategy & Governance (copy attached).

RESOLVED –

(1)         That the scrutiny good practice review be noted.

(2)         That the moves towards annual work plans for scrutiny panels be endorsed.

(3)         That the regular tripartite meetings be endorsed.

49.1         The Committee considered a report of the Director of Strategy & Governance concerning the findings of a good practice review of scrutiny in other local authorities (for copy see minute book).

49.2         Councillor Mitchell, Chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny Commission (OSC) reported that much progress had been made since the introduction of the new constitution and much had been learnt from looking at other local authorities. The move towards annual work plans for scrutiny panels would not preclude the individual committees from considering their own priorities. She added that it was important to work closely with partner organisations to avoid duplication of work.

49.3         Councillor Elgood, a member of the OSC, agreed that scrutiny was working well, but added that although the committees were cross-party, the new tripartite meetings did not include members from other groups.

49.4         The Head of Law explained the tripartite were not intended to be party-based meetings; they were between the relevant Director, Cabinet Member, and scrutiny committee Chairman irrespective of what party they were from. He suggested that it could be addressed by discussing scrutiny issues at the Leaders’ Group meetings or by including a Liberal Democrat Member at high level discussions with the Leader of the Council and the Chairman of OSC, rather than at each tripartite meeting.

49.5         Councillor Randall echoed Councillor Elgood’s request for all groups to be involved in the tripartite meetings.

49.6         Councillor Mears stated that the new constitution had brought dramatic changes to how the Council worked and that roles were now clearly defined and the scrutiny process was moving forward.

49.7         The members of the Committee wished to record their thanks to the Overview & Scrutiny Team for their support.

49.8         RESOLVED –

(1)         That the scrutiny good practice review be noted.

(2)         That the moves towards annual work plans for scrutiny panels be endorsed.

(3)         That the regular tripartite meetings be endorsed.