Agenda item

To provide an opportunity to update the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordination and Finance Committee to its work programme.

The Head of Governance gave a presentation in relation to work programming. The committee were provided an update to the changes put in place following the review of scrutiny by the Centre of Governance and Scrutiny undertaken in 2022.

The presentation suggested that scrutiny should;

·       Focus on a strategy that would prioritise topics where scrutiny could make an impact;

·       Have a ‘less is more’ approach;

·       Set achievable objectives;

·       Ensure committees are provided with all information ahead of committee meetings;

·       Look at processes to ensure it has met its own objectives.

In discussions on the development of scrutiny work programmes a member raised that one area that scrutiny could hold the Cabinet to account would be the budget and its workstreams of efficiency projects.

A church representative raised that there were limited meetings remaining in the municipal year and members would benefit to some training. Another member stated that since the review to scrutiny had been completed it was their belief that there was little noticeable change. The Chair responded and stated that change would take time and a cultural shift was needed. He also stated that he believed changes would transpire in the near future.

Members stated that to enable good policy scrutiny, committees should be involved at the inception of policy review process, members view was scrutiny was being involved too late in the process.

The Head of Governance stated that scrutiny needed to be relevant and suggested that a sub-committee choose two topics to scrutinise. It was also stated that regular inspection of the Councils Forward Plan should be utilised to identify policy areas of interest.

A member raised that a criticism of scrutiny in the past was it was reactive instead of proactive. It was stated that by having improved communication and collaboration within all areas of the Council would improve scrutiny.

The Chair acknowledged and responded that the right level of discussion was needed with officers was needed before topics were brought to committees.

The member stated that for scrutiny to be the critical friend and aid the Executive decisions, communication should come from both officers and the Executive members.

A member stated that there had been a change in the Authority Scrutiny Structure and emphasised that culture was also important. It was proposed that if a policy had already been established and agreed then it should not be put before scrutiny. Scrutiny should only consider policies where scrutiny could add value.

A member raised that good scrutiny practice had elements of local community involvement and this should be considered when commencing scrutiny reviews.

Another member stated good scrutiny should help to evolve policy.

The Chair expressed that he hoped there would be greater clarity for members at its meeting in September and asked members to put forward topics of interest for consideration.

Members suggested the following topics at the meeting:

·       Greater utilisation of the Customer First Centres 

·       Procurement

·       The Use of Section 106 monies.

·       Lettings Policy

·       It was suggested that a comprehensive list of policies with associated review dates be made available so allow scrutiny to identify early interest and involvement in policy development.

It was Agreed that the work programme information be noted.