Agenda item

(A report by John Medler, Service Director – Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer))

The Chairman introduced the item and invited the Democratic Services Team Leader to present the report.

The Democratic Services Team Leader provided a detailed overview of the findings arising from the review of the Council’s scrutiny arrangements. It was explained that the review had been undertaken following the introduction of the single?committee scrutiny model and was intended to assess its effectiveness in practice, drawing on operational experience since the implementation of the current arrangements.

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Members were advised that the review had been informed by consultation responses and feedback gathered from Members, officers and stakeholders who had experience of both the former two?committee structure and the current single?committee model

. The findings indicated that the single?committee model had, in general terms, improved visibility and coordination of scrutiny activity, enabling a more cohesive approach and reducing duplication of work. It was also noted that the model had supported clearer alignment between scrutiny, Executive decision?making and the Council’s Forward Plan.

The Committee was informed that the majority of responses received through the consultation process were supportive of the current arrangements. Benefits identified included improved continuity of discussion, more efficient use of resources and a clearer overview of the scrutiny work programme.It was acknowledged, however, that a minority of respondents had expressed a preference for a return to a more specialised, two?committee structure, highlighting the potential advantages of subject?specific focus and increased capacity for more detailed consideration of service areas.

Following the presentation, the Chairman opened the item for discussion.

The Committee considered the findings of the review and reflected on their experience of operating within the current scrutiny structure. Members acknowledged that the introduction of a single?committee model had resulted in a more streamlined approach to scrutiny, with improved oversight of the Council’s business and reduced fragmentation between subject areas. It was observed that the ability to consider a wide range of issues within a single forum had enhanced continuity of discussion and enabled Members to develop a broader understanding of the interdependencies between services.

At the same time, Members recognised that the breadth of the agenda could, at times, limit the depth of scrutiny that could be applied to individual items. The importance of effective agenda planning and prioritisation was therefore emphasised, particularly  to ensure that adequate time was allocated to complex or high?priority matters.

The role of task and finish groups was discussed as a mechanism for addressing this issue, enabling more detailed examination of specific topics outside of the main Committee setting. It was noted that such arrangements provided flexibility within the current structure and allowed for targeted scrutiny where necessary.

Members also considered the impact of the current arrangements on engagement with officers and external partners. It was noted that the single?committee model had provided greater clarity around reporting routes, with officers having a more consistent and predictable forum for bringing matters forward. This was considered to have contributed positively to the overall effectiveness of scrutiny.

In reflecting on the consultation feedback, the Committee acknowledged that, whilst differing views had been expressed, the prevailing position supported continuation of the current model. Members emphasised the importance of maintaining a flexible and responsive approach, with ongoing review to ensure that the scrutiny arrangements continued to meet the needs of the Council and its communities.

In drawing the discussion to a close, the Chairman thanked the Democratic Services Team Leader for the report and the work undertaken in conducting the review.

The Committee recognised that the current scrtuiny arrangements had delivered operational benefits and noted that continued development and refinement would be essential to ensure their ongoing effectiveness.

The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Richard Austin and seconded by Councillor Stuart Evans.

Resolved:

1.     That the findings of the Scrutiny Arrangements Review be noted;

2.     That the comments made during the discussion be recorded and used to inform the continued development of scrutiny arrangements; and

3.     That the current scrutiny model be kept under review to ensure it remained effective and responsive to the Council’s needs.