Issue - meetings

The Democratic and Civic Officer introduced the first report of the evening, with the purpose of agreeing the Operating Methodology for the new civic year. She explained that the methodology set out criteria for when any item could be called in for scrutiny either as an ongoing project, poor performance or for predecision scrutiny and that this approach had generally worked well and allowed the Committee to invite organisations that provided services within the District for discussions around issues of concern for Members. She stated that the current version of the Operating Methodology was approved by the Committee in June 2019, following the 2018/19 review of the scrutiny function within the Council. It was highlighted that despite the limitations on the Committee due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Committee had continued to work according to the Operating Methodology and the revised version had proven to be simpler to work with. With this in mind, there were no subsequent amendments suggested at this time.

A Member of the Committee enquired as to why only four service areas could be reviewed under Performance Management. The Democratic Officer explained that owing to the nature of such reviews, and the need for the service area to have been underperforming for at least two consecutive reporting quarters, it was necessary to manage the number of such reviews to ensure the Committee work plan was balanced. It was highlighted that it was unlikely that there would be a requirement for as many as four such reviews in any one civic year.

The Chairman highlighted the transparency of the Committee and the purpose of the methodology was to facilitate open scrutiny where needed, for both internal and external areas of concern. It was noted that the Committee was apolitical and much of the work with external partners was conducted cross-party.

With no amendments suggested to the document, and having been proposed and seconded, it was unanimously

RESOLVED that the proposed Operating Methodology be approved for implementation throughout the 2021/22 Civic Year.