Issue - meetings

RECOMMENDED:

2.1.      That the Committee prioritises topics for inclusion in the Work Programme attached as Appendix A and, where appropriate, determines the high-level form and timing of scrutiny input.

2.2.      That the Committee, having considered the most recent iteration of the Forward Plan, as attached at Appendix B, suggests a list of items to be considered at its meetings in the coming civic year.

2.3       That the Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan as attached at Appendix C be considered.

Audio recording - 3 hours 1 minute and 28 seconds

The Scrutiny Officer presented the Overview and Scrutiny work programme and stated that:

·       The current workplan has been compiled. Items currently scheduled include the Safeguarding report, Crime and Disorder Matters and the Draft Annual Report of Overview and Scrutiny Committee 2024/25.

·       Items yet to be scheduled are Green Spaces, Enterprise Service Area updates and the Implementation of the Leisure Contract.

·       Any suggested topics would be welcomed by discussion at this committee meeting, with the Chair or Vice Chair or emailing the Scrutiny Officer.

The Chair of the Committee stated that:

·       As part of the Corporate Challenge, the draft Scrutiny Charter had been circulated to Members and thanks were given for their feedback and comments.

·       The Enterprise Service Area updates would be scheduled for September 2024

·       Work on the Task and Finish Group regarding the Waste Contract would begin in September 2024.

The following Members asked questions:

·       Councillor Ralph Muncer

·       Councillor Matt Barnes

·       Councillor Elizabeth Dennis

·       Councillor Tom Tyson

·       Councillor Martin Prescott

In response to questions, the Scrutiny Officer stated that:

·       Task and Finish groups historically have not gone ahead due to lack of Members interest. Members were asked for more involvement otherwise this would not go ahead.

·       A report would initially be put together by the Scrutiny Officer for consideration, followed by 3-4 sessions of work. More guidance can be given to Members.

In response to questions, the Head of Democratic Services stated that:

·       It was thought that the timeline would be compromised if to commence the Task and Finish Group at the next meeting, particularly as officers and Members were in the middle of a General Election period. It was also pointed out that meetings are not held during the summer, due to the summer recess.

·       The Terms of Refence were to be focussed and set for the group and a timeline of work that could be achievable. This could be set for September 2024 running through to January 2025.

In response to questions, the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee stated that:

·       Executive Members and Portfolio holders should be asked to attend the committee meetings to identify priorities in their areas and answer questions on their portfolio.

·       It was noted that the Waste Contract was shared between North and East Hertfordshire Councils, therefore any scrutiny of this would need to be in collaboration. The project board involves officers and members from both authorities and reports would be identical. Reports should be robust enough to be scrutinised.

Councillor Matt Barnes proposed and Councillor Tom Tyson seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED:

(1)   That the Committee prioritises topics for inclusion in the Work Programme attached as Appendix A and, where appropriate, determines the high-level form and timing of scrutiny input.

(2)   That the Committee, having considered the most recent iteration of the Forward Plan, as attached at Appendix B, suggests a list of items to be considered at its meetings in the coming civic year.

(3)   That  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18