Agenda item

a)       Committee Work Plan

b)       Progress of Panels/Working Groups

c)       Draft Inquiry Panel Brief – Corporate Culture

d)       Public Request for Scrutiny

e)       Forward Look ( Cabinet Business)

The Chair presented the Scrutiny Work Programme 2014/15.  The report explained the background and purpose of the Scrutiny Work Programme and the current position of all scrutiny activities.  The Work Programme referred to the work currently active, showing progress with the established Scrutiny Panels and Working Groups.  The Work Plan Timetable for future Committee meetings was also provided. 

 

The Overview and Scrutiny Manager referred to the manner in which indepth pieces of work are dealt.  A discussion ensued regarding the impact and benefits of working groups as opposed to inquiry panels.   Members felt that a clear focus for the meeting was important along with better research and information.

 

 

RESOLVED to try new approach.

 

Public requests for scrutiny – Welsh Medium Education.  Are you happy with this request.

 

Two other requests come in today.

 

Chris Holley immediate investigation into policy for school transport budget of schools.

 

RESOLVED to ask for more information.

 

Councillor Paul Lloyd complaints procedure asked myself and Christine Richards to look into this.

 

RESOLVED that more information be provided.         

 

At the previous Scrutiny Programme Committee it was requested that further information be provided on the proposed topics for Inquiry Panels and possible focus. This was discussed.

 

The committee also discussed the current position in relation to the Education Inclusion Scrutiny Inquiry and implications of the departmental review on the same matter.

 

The Chair also reported that a public request for scrutiny had been received after the agenda was published (in relation to Welsh Medium primary school provision in Swansea West) and stated that this will be considered and a proposal brought to the next meeting for the committee’s agreement.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

1       the Scrutiny Committee Work Plan Timetable and Plan for Meetings ahead be accepted;

 

2       the progress of established Panels and Working Groups attached at Appendix 2 of the report be noted;

 

3       Revised working arrangements be put into place in relation to working groups;

 

4       The inquiry panel brief ‘creating a can do corporate culture’ be agreed:

 

5       The public request for scrutiny in relation to Welsh medium education be referred to the Cabinet Member for Learning and Skills;

 

6       The following Councillor requests for action be agreed:

 

Councillor C A Holley – School Transport – more information be requested prior to consideration; and

Councillor P Lloyd – Complaints Procedure – more information be requested prior to consideration.