Issue - meetings

The Committee considered a report presenting the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Operating Methodology for the 2026/27 civic year. It was noted that the methodology set out how the Committee would undertake its core functions, including performance management, and that the Constitution required the document to be reviewed annually. Following a review undertaken in April 2026, no substantive changes had been proposed other than minor housekeeping amendments to reflect revised policy committee arrangements.

During discussion, the Chairman referred to the section of the methodology relating to project work and expressed concern that the Committee was currently limited in the number of topics it could initiate independently, outside of pre scrutiny referrals, performance management work, or referrals from other committees. Given the forthcoming Local Government Reorganisation, it was suggested that greater flexibility may be required to enable the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to undertake additional in-depth reviews where necessary.

The Chairman requested that the matter be added to the Matters Arising Schedule for Officers to examine the potential of increasing the Committee’s ability to undertake additional project work in future. Members indicated their agreement.

The Chairman also noted that only six meetings of the Committee were scheduled during the civic year, compared with eight in the previous year, resulting in fewer opportunities for scrutiny activity. Members were supportive of the matter also being added to the Matters Arising Schedule for further consideration of the mechanisms which would be used to increase the number of meetings.

Reference was also made to broadband provision, which had been discussed at the previous evening’s meeting of Council. Members were advised that it had been agreed the matter should be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. It was suggested that Officers liaise with the Chairman of Council to formalise the referral as a piece of project work for the Committee.

In discussing potential project work arrangements, Members highlighted the value of task and finish groups, providing previous examples including work relating to renewable energy and flooding. It was noted that such groups provided an effective means of undertaking detailed scrutiny and developing recommendations, provided that clear terms of reference, timescales and reporting arrangements were established to ensure work was completed within a defined period.

Having concluded discussion, the Committee indicated its support for the methodology as presented.

RESOLVED that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Operating Methodology be approved for implementation throughout the 2026/27 civic year.