Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Browne, Child, Higgins and Pritchett.

To approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 25 April 2024.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 25 April 2024 were approved.

To discuss any matters arising out of the Minutes and review the response tracker.

The Scrutiny Committee noted the Issue Tracker.

In relation to the amendments proposed for the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 March 2024, Members accepted their inclusion.

(For 5, Against 0, Abstentions 1)

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

No declarations of interest were received.

To consider the attached Forward Plan and identify any relevant items for inclusion in the Scrutiny Work Programme, or to request further information.

The Chair introduced the Cabinet Forward Plan and invited Members to comment.

The comment was made expressing disappointment that the Gretton Court Resilience (Catering) item has been moved back. It was noted that separate discussions were taking place about progressing a briefing on this matter.

Members are to review, comment upon and approve the attached Scrutiny Work Programme 2024/25.

The Chair introduced the Scrutiny Work Programme 2024/25 and invited Members to comment on the document.

A comment was made expressing disappointment that the Social Housing Allocation item has been moved to November. A Member queried whether a note could be added to indicate when an item has been moved. This could lead the Committee to ask whether an item still needs to be on the work programme or identify capacity issues. Members were reminded that all requests to move an item goes via the Chair and Vice Chair.

The Scrutiny Committee approved the Scrutiny Work Programme for the Municipal Year 2024/25.

The Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/24 is to be considered by the Committee.

The Chair introduced the Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/24.

During debate, the Vice Chair commented that the Committee should also be open to some reflection and scrutiny, and for there to be scope to consider the impact of scrutiny. It was considered that the mid-year review of the work programme could be a good time to reflect on the work and impact of the Committee.

A comment was made on whether the annual report could better set out the impact of Scrutiny work upon policy and subsequent decision making. It was confirmed that this would be considered for the 2024/25 annual report.

The query was raised on whether Members get the right feedback from Officers, as having feedback would mean Members could use their own and Officer’s time more efficiently.

The Director for Housing and Communities was asked to give an officer perspective on the work of the committee and commented that scrutiny has felt productive and has had impact. She noted that at times it had been difficult to manage workload and competing demands, but that the use of workshop sessions has been good and produced meaningful results, which have shaped subsequent work. It was explained that the introduction of the scrutiny action tracker has assisted in keeping track of issues or queries which otherwise doesn’t fall under any of the work programme items.

A Member commented that they have enjoyed scrutiny more this year than in previous years.

RESOLVED

Scrutiny Committee

1)    Approved the Annual Report; and

2)    That the Annual Report is presented to Council for noting.

To consider any other items that the Chair considers urgent.

There was no urgent business.