Agenda item

The Scrutiny Team Leader presented the Annual Work Programme Review 2017/18.

The Scrutiny Team Leader highlighted that the report outlined the work carried out by scrutiny over the municipal year and encouraged the Committee to:- 

·                Look back at the work completed;

·                Reflect on the scrutiny experience; and

·                Think about the Work Programme for 2018/19

He noted that an Improvement & Development Workshop had been recently held with Committee Members on 3 May to consider the results of the Annual Councillor Scrutiny Survey and to look at ways of improving scrutiny. Amongst the issues that it was felt merited attention were: Councillor involvement; reports to scrutiny, Cabinet engagement / response to scrutiny, visibility of impact, and public engagement. 

The Committee was informed that the Annual Scrutiny Work Planning Conference would take place on 11 June 2018.

In relation the new work programme Paragraph 7.2 of the report listed items to be carried over, Paragraph 7.3 listed recurring activities. Subject to any changes that may be made by the Committee to Performance Panels the Chair informed the Committee that the existing Performance Panels would be asked to confirm their convener by election at the first meeting of the new municipal year. Having recommended continuity in May 2017 for the first year she stated that it would be up to each Panel to re-confirm the existing convener to determine any charge. 

Paragraph 7.5 outlined a Councillor request for Scrutiny. It was agreed that the Councillor Request for Scrutiny on the new electronic residents parking issuing system be noted and decision deferred pending outcome of the work planning conference and any competing demands for scrutiny. 

On discussing the Committee members experience of scrutiny it was generally felt that scrutiny was operating very well and the Chair, Councillors and Officers should be congratulated for that. Amongst issues it was felt that there could be improvement in tracking Cabinet Member responses.

The Chair thanked all those involved in Scrutiny for their attendance and contribution.

It was noted that a report would be presented to the Committee on draft scrutiny improvement objectives and possible actions for agreement.

RESOLVED that the report and comments be noted.