Agenda item

Consideration of Requests for Overview and Scrutiny Reviews in 2016-17

To consider the ongoing Overview and Scrutiny Work Programmes, issues considered during 2015-16 and a list of Overview and Scrutiny review suggestions for the 2016-17 Municipal Year.

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report, set out on Agenda pages 55 to 74, which set out details of the Overview and Scrutiny issues considered in 2015/16, the ongoing work programme for the Overview and Scrutiny Committees and a list of new Overview and Scrutiny suggestions for 2016/17.

 

The Committee was reminded of the established review selection criteria to be used in considering new Overview and Scrutiny suggestions:

 

·         Whether the issue was of local and, preferably, current cocern;

·         Whether a review could be linked to the Council’s Vision, Priorities and Principles;

·         Whether the topic was already being reviewed elsewhere within the Council;

·         Whether the topic was capable of being influenced by the Committee or the three Overview and Scrutiny Committees;

·         Whether the scope of the topic was manageable;

·         Whether sufficient resources were available to support the Scrutiny work;

·         Whether, if a review was warranted, the priority was low, medium or high;

·         Whether a review should be undertaken by the Management Committee, one of the three Overview and Scrutiny Committees, or a time-limited Task and Finish Group.

 

The Chairman reminded the Committee of the ongoing organisational change programme: 21st Century Council. It was likely that some of the Overview and Scrutiny review suggestions would fall within the work of the 21st Century Council programme. Members felt that it would be useful to receive a briefing on the 21st Century Council programme as it would impact significantly on the work of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees over the next few years.

 

The Committee considered each of the Overview and Scrutiny request submissions in turn. During the Committee’s discussions Members made the following points:

 

End to End Reporting of Data and Analytics Capability – Councillor Shahid Younis

 

Members were referred to the details of the suggestion, set out on Agenda page 63. Councillor Younis presented the suggestion and highlighted the importance of accurate, timely information for both Officers and Members. Members needed up-to-date information in order to oversee performance and identify issues as quickly as possible. With modern technology there was no reason why this could not be achieved.

 

It was agreed that this suggestion was supported in principle and should be referred to the Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee for further consideration. Members also noted that the suggestion may fall within the 21st Century Council work programme and may not be pursued if it was duplicating work already under way.

 

 

Housing Rents and Housing Benefits – Councillor Lindsay Ferris

 

Members were referred to the details of the suggestion, set out on Agenda page 64. Councillor Ferris presented the suggestion and highlighted the importance of joined up working when different services interacted with Council tenants and other customers.

 

It was agreed that the suggestion had merit, but it was felt that this issue, along with similar service issues, would fall within the remit of the 21st Century Council project. Consequently, it would be discussed as part of the proposed Overview and Scrutiny Member briefing on 21st Century Council.

 

Public Sector Equality Duty – Councillor Prue Bray

 

Members were referred to the details of the suggestion, set out on Agenda page 64 to 65. Councillor Bray presented the suggestion and highlighted the Council’s statutory duties under the Equality Act 2010 to set equality objectives and to publish information relating to progress made in relation to the Act. Members noted that work was under way to update the Council’s policies and procedures relating to the duties under the Equality Act.

 

It was agreed that a report be submitted to the Management Committee in September 2016, setting out the draft policies and procedures relating to the Council’s duties under the Equality Act 2010.

 

The Cost, Use and Effectiveness of Cycle Lanes – John Redwood MP

 

Members were referred to the details of the suggestion, set out on Agenda page 65. Members considered the development and usage of cycle lanes across the Borough and the funding stream through the Sustrans programme. In line with Government policy, investment in cycle lanes was part of the development of sustainable transport solutions.

 

It was agreed that Members continue to monitor the effectiveness of the Borough’s cycle lanes through the quarterly performance monitoring report and that John Redwood be notified of the rationale for introducing cycle lanes in the Borough.

 

Introduction of Multi-disciplinary Wardens – Mr P Windley

 

Members were referred to the details of the suggestion, set out on Agenda pages 65 to 66. Members noted the introduction of multi-disciplinary wardens in other authorities but felt that the adoption of Civil Parking Enforcement powers would not be a suitable vehicle. It was also noted that the 21st Century Council programme would address the potential for introducing multi-disciplinary teams across a range of services.

 

It was agreed that Mr Windley be notified that the suggestion would be considered as part of the 21st Century Council programme.

 

 

Speed of Trains into London Waterloo from Wokingham – Mr S Stockford

 

Members were referred to the details of the suggestion, set out on Agenda page 66. Members noted that there had been some recent public debate about this issue. However, the development of potential solutions lay with the relevant train operating company (South West Trains) and Network Rail.

 

It was agreed that Mr Stockford be notified that the suggestion would be referred to South West Trains and Network Rail for consideration.

 

In addition to the list of new Overview and Scrutiny suggestions, Members considered the existing work programmes for each of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees. In discussing the existing work programmes Members made the following points:

 

·         Councillor Anthony Pollock would be attending the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee meeting on 12 July 2016 to discuss the public Budget consultation programme for 2016;

 

·         The Council’s Executive Members would be invited to attend the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee during the year to discuss their portfolios and any emerging issues;

 

·         The recent refresh of the Council Plan was a potential item for consideration, depending on its links to the 21st Century Council programme;

 

·         The report of the recent corporate Peer Review of the Council was a suitable item for consideration by Overview and Scrutiny;

 

·         The potential item on income generation opportunities from the Crossrail project required further clarification and scoping;

 

·         Progress on the two ongoing Task and Finish Groups (Better Care Fund and Shared Services) was noted.

 

RESOLVED That:

 

1)      the current work programme of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee and the Overview and Scrutiny Committees be noted;

 

2)      the work programmes for the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee and the three Overview and Scrutiny Committees be developed to reflect the Committee’s discussion;

 

3)      the residents who submitted Overview and Scrutiny suggestions be thanked and be notified of the outcome of the Committee’s deliberations.

 

 

 

Supporting documents: