Issue - meetings

To consider the proposed Work Programme for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in 2019/20.

RECOMMENED that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme for 2019/20 be adopted.

A report was submitted with the proposed 2019/20 work programme for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The work programme was appended to the report.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor M.A. Brunt, highlighted that the programme had been reviewed and supported by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in February 2019 and that the Executive was being consulted, prior to consideration by Full Council in April 2019.

It was noted that the report set out relevant statutory powers, resource, legal and equalities implications and consultation undertaken. In response to questions, Councillor Brunt informed the Executive that he and the Chief Executive had been consulted during the preparation of the work programme and that it delivered a good range of activities that were achievable and added value to the work of the Council.

It was noted that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had recognised the increased pressures facing the Council and had maintained a streamlined approach to ensure its work programme, and future activities, reflected the Council’s priorities.

Councillor Brunt concluded by highlighting that Local Government continued to change and that as a result the Council would continue to monitor both its governance and scrutiny arrangements.

RECOMMENED that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme for 2019/20 be adopted.

Reason for decision: To support the adoption of a work programme for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the 2019/20 Municipal Year.

Alternative options: To add to or not support the adoption of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee work programme for 2019/20.

To consider the proposed Work Programme for the Committee for 2019/20 and to forward the Programme and any comments to the Executive for recommendation to Council.

To consider any Advance Questions submitted.

The Committee considered the proposed work programme for the Committee for 2019/20. It was identified that the proposed work programme had been discussed by the Chair of the Committee, the Leader of the Council, and the Chief Executive, and that they were all content with the proposed programme.

It was identified that the work programme contained scope for the inclusion of additional activity in response to outcomes emerging from reviews of the Council’s governance arrangements and developing strategies. It was identified that it was expected that part of this emerging work would be a review of the proposed Commercial Governance Framework approximately 12 months following its adoption.

Attention was drawn to the potential benefits of having an expert panel able to consider specialist and technical matters and then report back to the Committee, and it was suggested that the establishment of such panels be considered for any appropriate emerging areas of work.

RESOLVED that the proposed Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme for 2019/20 be recommended to the Executive and Council.