Agenda item

RESOLVED:

(1)   That the Committee prioritised topics for inclusion in the work programme attached as Appendix A and, where appropriate, determined 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, suggested a list of items to be considered at its meetings in the coming civic year.

(3)   That the Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan as attached at Appendix C was considered.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1)   To allow the Committee to set a work programme which provides focused Member oversight, encourages open debate and seeks to achieve service improvement through effective policy development and meaningful policy and service change.

(2)   The need to observe Constitutional requirements and monitor the Forward Plan for appropriate items to scrutinise remains a key aspect of work programming.

Audio Recording – 1 hour 30 minutes 21 seconds

The Committee, Member and Scrutiny Manager presented the item ‘Overview and Scrutiny Committee work programme’ and highlighted:

·       The Committee can add items to the work programme by informing the Chair and the Committee, Member and Scrutiny Manager.

·       On the 29 January 2024 Hertfordshire Police will attend the Committee meeting to discuss issues relating to hate crimes in North Herts.

·       Settle had been invited to the Committee Meeting on the 29 January 2024 to discuss complaint handling and any changes relating to the Rental Reform Bill.

·       Other items listed for the 29 January 2024 included the Empty Homes Strategy, Council Tax Premiums for Empty and Second homes and the Chairs reports on the Call to Accounts for the Harkness Court Project and Lord Lister Hotel.

·       Appendix C highlighted the recommendations from the LGA Corporate Peer Review, with actions and timescales.

·       The Scrutiny Officer position had a closing date of the 15 January 2024 and had been advertised utilizing the Essex County Council jobs board, interviews were scheduled for the 31 January 2024.

·       The Call to Account preparation briefings would become a standard for any subsequent call to account items.

·       Ensuring minutes reflected the decisions of the meeting was now completed, as the resolutions report captured any specific requests.

·       Any referral rejected by Cabinet would be reported in the resolutions report at the beginning of each Overview and Scrutiny committee, along with the rejection reason.

·       The training items on the report related to post election and would be included in the Induction Programme for Members following the elections in May 2024.

·       Items relating to meeting protocols were ongoing and would be further developed by the new Scrutiny Officer.

·       The definition of the Committee would be discussed outside of this meeting.

·       Work would commence on the Task and Finish group once any topics for consideration were received.

In response to questions from Councillor Ralph Muncer, the Chair advised that the Call to Account reports for the Harkness Court Project and Lord Lister Hotel would be presented at the next meeting of the Committee on Monday 29 January 2024.

Councillor Daniel Wright-Mason proposed and Councillor Dominic Griffiths seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED:

(1)   That the Committee prioritised topics for inclusion in the work programme attached as Appendix A and, where appropriate, determined 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, suggested a list of items to be considered at its meetings in the coming civic year.

(3)   That the Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan as attached at Appendix C was considered.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1)   To allow the Committee to set a work programme which provides focused Member oversight, encourages open debate and seeks to achieve service improvement through effective policy development and meaningful policy and service change.

(2)   The need to observe Constitutional requirements and monitor the Forward Plan for appropriate items to scrutinise remains a key aspect of work programming.