Agenda and decisions

To receive any apologies for absence, or details of substitutions to the Committee membership.

Committee Members will be asked to advise if there are any items on the Agenda in which they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, which would prevent them from participating in any discussion or vote on an item, or any other interests.

There were no declarations of interest from any members of the Committee.

Most debates take place in public.  This only changes where there is a need to consider certain issues, for instance, commercially sensitive information or details concerning an individual.  You will be told at this point whether there are any items on the agenda which are to be discussed in private.  

All agenda items were to be considered in public.

The Committee will receive any petitions andhear any deputations from members ofthe public.A deputationis whereup to fivepeople canattend the meeting andmake apresentation onsome particularissue ofconcern. A memberofthe publiccan alsohand ina petitionat the meeting but that petition should relate to something on which the body has powers and responsibilities.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10 (2), Members of the Public should provide at least 24 hours’ notice of presenting a deputation.  

There were no deputations or petitions.

The Committee will hear any questions fromthe general public.

There were no questions from members of the public.

To receive an update on Corporate Customer Standards complaint handling for the year 2021-22.

Contact: Chris Read, Corporate Customer Standards Officer

That the report be noted.

To consider a proposed changes to meetings of Council.

Contact: Samantha Lawton  - Head of Governance

That the report be considered at the meeting of Council on 7 December 2022 with a recommendation to change the date of the Council’s Budget Meeting from 22 February to 8 March 2023, along with the consequential changes in respect of the schedule of outstanding Council meetings, as set out in the report.

To consider the report of the Democracy Commission relating to the Committee System Proposal.

Contact: Samantha Lawton, Head of Governance

That the Committee recommends that:

1.    The Council supports the retention of the current model of governance (Cabinet Strong Leader Model) with the suggested improvements set out below: -

2.    The Council recognises the key role of the scrutiny function, including key strategy formation in engaging non cabinet members in the decision-making process, which can be further developed through the following suggested enhancements:

(i)             Improvements to enhance and improve pre-decision scrutiny to include reviewing the current scrutiny panels

(ii)            Clear guidance as far as reasonably practicable in defining pre-decision scrutiny and associated timelines

(iii)          Annual training and work programme briefings provided to all Members of the Council’s Scrutiny Panels.

(iv)          Providing clear information to Members and officers on the benefits of pre decision scrutiny and to ensure there is an understanding of the requirements to engage in early pre-decision scrutiny to enhance good decision making

3.      The Council recognises that good scrutiny and decision making relies on the provision of transparent, accessible information in a timely manner and supports the development of sharing information to raise awareness, increase understanding of and ensure clarity for Members and Officers around scrutiny, Access to Information Rules and the sharing of information.

4.      That Cabinet be requested to increase dialogue on key strategic issues with Members to increase transparency and develop both formal and informal engagement with Members.

5.    That consultation be undertaken with Group Business Managers and Members, to identify any potential barriers preventing some Members being appointed to Committees/Panels such as timing, frequency, location, format of meetings and any actions appropriately co-ordinated.

6.    That information be communicated to all Members (across different roles) in relation to engagement with the decision-making process, including access to information rules, scrutiny, raising a notice of concern, speaking and questioning rights at committees.

7.    That work is considered to explore enhancing training and development for Councillors to help understand and carry out their roles.

8.    To note and thank Mark Edgell and the Local Government Association for the advice, report and recommendations which has provided the panel with an independent starting point for the review by the Commission.

9.    To note and thank the Local Authorities and stakeholders who gave their time and shared their experiences with the Commission.

10.That the Democracy Commission undertake a review of the implementation of the recommendations and report back to the Corporate Governance an Audit Committee by March 2024.