Issue - meetings

(A report by James Gilbert, Service Director – Corporate Services)

(A report by James Gilbert, Service Director - Corporate Services)

The Chairman introduced the item and invited the Service Director – Corporate Services, supported by the Business Intelligence and Change Manager, to present the report.

The Service Director – Corporate Services outlined the proposed approach to managing strategy and policy review and development in advance of Local Government Reorganisation, advising that increasing demands on officer capacity required a more proportionate approach to routine policy updates. It was explained that the proposal would allow minor or non-material changes to be progressed through delegated authority, whilst maintaining appropriate oversight.

In considering the report, the Committee acknowledged the pressures associated with Local Government Reorganisation but emphasised the importance of maintaining transparency and effective Member oversight.

Members discussed the potential implications of increased delegation and highlighted the need to ensure that the Committee remained sighted on changes being made and retained the ability to scrutinise where necessary.

Consideration was given to how delegated decisions would be communicated, noting the importance of ensuring that Members were informed in advance of changes and that there was an opportunity to raise concerns where appropriate. The need for ongoing visibility of changes made under delegated authority was also emphasised, together with the importance of maintaining clear governance arrangements throughout the transition period.

Members further considered the position should Local Government Reorganisation not proceed, emphasising the importance of ensuring that any interim arrangements did not become embedded without appropriate review.

In response to the discussion, the Service Director – Corporate Services confirmed that the comments raised by the Committee were helpful and sought to clarify the Committee’s expectations in relation to the proposed approach. It was confirmed that the following would be incorporated into the process and reflected within the Cabinet report:

·         That Members would be notified in advance of any proposed use of delegated authority to amend a policy, providing an opportunity for the Committee to request further scrutiny where required.

·         That a summary of changes made under delegated authority would be reported back to the Committee on a regular basis to ensure ongoing visibility; and

·         That appropriate safeguards would be included to ensure that the proposed arrangements would cease should Local Government Reorganisation not proceed.

The Service Director – Corporate Services confirmed that those measures would ensure that transparency and Member oversight were maintained whilst enabling a more proportionate approach to policy management.

In drawing the discussion to a close, the Chairman thanked officers for the report and for the clarification provided.

Resolved:

1.    That the report be noted; and

2.    That the comments of the Committee, including the need for advance notification, summary reporting and appropriate safeguards, be incorporated into the Cabinet report.

[The Service Director – Corporate Services and the Business Intelligence and Change Manager left the meeting at 7.37pm, following consideration of the above item.]