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Issue - decisions

An Update on the Implementation of the Scrutiny Action Plan

27/01/2022 - AN UPDATE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCRUTINY ACTION PLAN

Cabinet was updated on the implementation of the Scrutiny Action Plan and asked to consider the merits of moving to a Select Committee approach.

 

Following a Member-led review of the Council’s Scrutiny function, the Scrutiny Review Steering Group produced an action plan, which was approved by Cabinet on 8 October 2020 and Council on 2 December 2020 – the Plan was attached at Appendix 2.  Excellent progress had been made and the majority of actions had been completed.

 

The Scrutiny Improvement Review report of the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny recommended that the Council move to a modern ‘select committee’ style of scrutiny.  The Steering Group considered the benefits of such a move and compared them to the current member-led approach.  It concluded that the powers of the national Select Committees were similar to the Council’s I&S Committees, with the exception of the power to require individuals to give evidence or appoint special advisers.  It was also concerned that the Select Committee approach could be adversarial and may be seen as too critical or aggressive.  It was concluded to continue with the current enhanced, member-led approach and for Cabinet to consider these views of the Steering Group. 

 

The Action Plan recommended that an Executive-Scrutiny Protocol be adopted (referenced in the Statutory Guidance on Overview and Scrutiny in Local and Combined Authorities).  This was being developed with the Steering Group and would be presented to Cabinet at a future meeting for approval.

 

RESOLVED – to (1) note the progress made in relation to the implementation of the Scrutiny Action Plan;and (2) support the conclusions of the Scrutiny Steering Group and agrees to maintain the current enhanced member-led approach to scrutiny rather than move to the select style ofscrutiny.