Agenda item

To consider the recommendations from the report of the Select Committee for Communities and Local Government into the effectiveness of Overiew and Scrutiny.

The Committee considered a report, set out on Agenda pages 25 to 87, which gave details of the House of Commons Select Committee for Communities and Local Government’s inquiry into the effectiveness of Overview and Scrutiny in local government. A copy of the Select Committee’s report, published on 15 December 2017, was appended to the report.

The Select Committee’s report highlighted a number of key issues relating to the operation of Overview and Scrutiny, including:

·           the importance of organisational culture in determining the effectiveness of Overview and Scrutiny;

·           potential measures to promote a more positive culture could include a change in the line of accountability with Overview and Scrutiny reporting to full Council rather than the Executive;

·           the importance of the role of Overview and Scrutiny Chairmen in demonstrating the independence of the Scrutiny function;

·           effective Scrutiny depended on access to information about Council (and partner) services and policies;

·           there should be a greater parity of esteem between the Executive and Overview and Scrutiny with effective Officer support for the Scrutiny function;

·           Scrutiny powers should be strengthened in relation to the delivery of outsourced services and monitoring of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).

Members considered the findings of the Select Committee in the context of the operation of Overview and Scrutiny at Wokingham Borough Council. In the ensuing discussion Members commented on the report’s conclusions and recommendations as follows:

The Role of Scrutiny

Members supported the proposal for the sharing of innovation and best practice across the Scrutiny sector.

Party Politics and Organisational Culture

Members noted the proposal that Overview and Scrutiny recommendations should be reported to full Council rather than to the Executive. Members felt that more evidence about the pros and cons of this recommendation should be provided before a view was taken.

Members supported the recommendation that Executive Members should only attend Scrutiny meetings when invited to do so and to answer Member questions. This would help to promote political impartiality and preserve the distinction between Scrutiny and the Executive.

Members supported the principle of election of Scrutiny Chairmen and agreed to put the Council forward for inclusion in the proposed pilot scheme aimed at monitoring the impact of elected Chairmen on Scrutiny’s effectiveness.

Members also noted that the Council’s Constitution Review Working Group were considering options for the election of Chairmen and selection of Scrutiny Members following the Motion agreed by Council at its meeting on 23 March 2017. The decisions reached by the Constitution Review Working Group would be reported back to the Management Committee in due course.

Accessing Information

Members felt that existing arrangements were effective with Overview and Scrutiny Committees receiving relevant information, with confidential information considered in Part 2 session as and when necessary.

Members supported the principle of greater involvement in Scrutiny by residents, service users and community groups. It was noted that the Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee was seeking to develop this approach to Scrutiny. Progress would be monitored and reported back to the Management Committee.

Resources

Members supported the principle of greater parity of esteem between Scrutiny and the Executive and agreed that the Overview and Scrutiny Committees should be supported by Officers who operate with independence and provide impartial advice to Members.

Members supported the principle of greater profile and seniority for the role of Statutory Scrutiny Officer at the Council.

Member Training and Skills

Members noted the Council’s annual Scrutiny training event and requested more information on the training programmes provided by the Local Government Association.

The Role of the Public

Members supported the principle of greater public involvement in the Scrutiny process and considered possible initiatives including:

·           Greater engagement/briefing with Town and Parish Councils;

·           Briefings for local newspapers and other media outlets;

·           Increased use of digital engagement and social media;

·           Increased presence of Scrutiny on the Council’s website;

·           Scrutiny articles in the Wokingham Borough News;

·           Closer working with the Council’s Communications team.

Scrutinising Public Services Provided by External Bodies

Members supported the principle of Scrutiny being able to “follow the Council pound” and look at both public and commercial service providers.

In line with the earlier discussion, Members supported the proposal for public oversight of Local Enterprise Partnerships.

RESOLVED That:

1)     the issues raised by the House of Commons Select Committee report in relation to the operation of Overview and Scrutiny be noted;

2)     the Committee’s views on the report’s Conclusions and Recommendations be communicated to the Select Committee and the Department for Communities and Local Government;

3)     the Committee receive further information on the specific issues highlighted above;

4)     the Constitution Review Working Group’s findings on the selection of Scrutiny Members and election of Scrutiny Chairmen be submitted to the Committee for consideration;

5)     a progress review on recommendations made during the year and proposed benefits realised be included in the Committee’s 2018/19 Work programme;

6)     the Committee receive further information on Scrutiny training programmes run by the Local Government Association.