Agenda item

The Chair stated that following consultation with Members the report contained the emerging draft programme for the year ahead.

The draft work programme takes into account last years’ programme, work already committed and feedback from the recent Work Planning Conference which included input on Council priorities and strategic challenges, and public issues.  The proposed Programme showed the topics which would be looked at either through in-depth work, ongoing monitoring activities, or with a light-touch, and topics which the Committee itself would lead on.

He highlighted the key considerations for the Committee to think about before agreeing the programme, and took Members through the detail.  He highlighted the following:

·       The next inquiry would be on ‘Community Assets’.

·       The Service Improvement & Finance Performance Panel and Development & Regeneration Performance Panel would be merged into a new ‘Service Improvement, Regeneration & Finance’ Performance Panel, which would meet monthly.

·       Initial Working Group topics would be looking at: Customer Contact, Public Rights of Way, and Community Growing.

Subject to agreement, expressions of interest would then be sought from Scrutiny Councillors to participate in new Scrutiny activities. He also referred to the Committee work plan for 2023/24 and stated that the next meeting on 19 September would include a session with the Cabinet Member for Environment & Infrastructure on Active Travel.

Resolved that:

1)    The Scrutiny Work Programme for 2023/24 including new Inquiry topic, revised Performance Panel arrangements, and Working Group topic priorities be approved.

2)    The Committee Work Plan be approved.