Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Chair of the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee.

To consider a joint report of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance the Chair of the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee.

The report outlines the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Committees during the 2023/24 municipal year.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider and comment on the report prior to its submission to the Council Meeting.

Officer contact: Damian Eaton on Tel: 0161 474 3207 or email: damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk

The Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted the draft Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/24 (copies of which had been circulated).

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was commented that the report did not fully capture the breath and range of activities of the scrutiny function, and that this should be included prior to submission to the Council Meeting.

·         Consideration should be given to the process by which scrutiny reviews were undertaken, and whether these could be commenced at different times through the year rather than committees being asked to identify them at the outset of the municipal year.  In response, it was stated that scrutiny committees were required to develop a work programme at the start of the municipal year for submission to the Council Meeting for approval.  It was further noted that difficulties have previously arisen where scrutiny reviews had taken place across municipal years.

·         It was requested that scrutiny committees be provided with further assistance in the selection of review topics.

·         It was commented that some reports that came to scrutiny committee were quite lengthy which inhibited meaningful discussion.

·         It was noted that scrutiny committees should be receiving an update on actions taken with regard to the recommendations of scrutiny review panels.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be approved for submission to the ordinary meeting of the Council Meeting subject to the inclusion of additional information detailing the further extent of activities of scrutiny committees, and pending the inclusion of a foreword to be drafted by the Chair of the Committee.

(2) That the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee be requested to move and second the report upon its presentation to the Council Meeting.