To consider and agree pre-decision scrutiny questions/comments to be presented to Cabinet.

(Time allocated – 30 minutes).

The Committee received and noted those questions to be presented at Cabinet by the Chair in relation to unrestricted business on the agenda attached as appendices to these minutes. The main points of the discussion may be summarised as follows:

The Committee:

·         Expressed its concern over the changes to the provision of ‘meals on wheels’. This item had originally been presented at the Health Scrutiny meeting on 5^th November, 2019 and the Committee raised a number of concerns. Principally, that that this is a key decision which should be taken by the Mayor in Cabinet before progressing any further;

·         Indicated that it would like to ask the Mayor to agree to take this as a key decision so that it can be made in an open and transparent way

·         Was disappointed that it had been unable properly scrutinise this decision as they had not been provided with sufficient information;

·         Was concerned that (i) furthermore communication with affected service users has not been as clear; (ii) as this was an emotionally sensitive issue consultation with service users should have occurred before, not after, the decision was made;

·         Was extremely concerned about the impact of these changes and the risks which may follow;

·         Noted that the Cabinet report states that 101 reviews have been carried out and to date only 12 people have alternative arrangements in place;

·         Wish to know if it is feasible to find alternative services which can be delivered by March 2020;

·         Noted that they may require the Executive to submit a report to Council within such reasonable time as the Committee specifies should they believe that a key decision has been taken which was not (a) Published in advance in accordance with the Council’s constitution; (b) The subject of the urgency procedure; or (c) The subject of an agreement with the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, or the Speaker;

·         Noted that the power to require a report rests with them, but is also delegated to the Chief Executive, who shall require such a report on behalf of the Committee when so requested in writing by (a) The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee; (b) three Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee; or (c) by a resolution passed at a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee;

·         Noted that the Executive would then prepare a report setting out the date of the decision, particulars of the decision, the individual or body making the decision, and if the Mayor is of the opinion that it was not a key decision, the reasons for that opinion;

·         Noted there should also be details of any alternative decisions that were considered and why they were rejected, and the names of any member who has declared a conflict of interest in relation to the decision (if any); and

·         Noted that the report will be submitted to the next ordinary meeting of Council. However, if the next meeting of Council is within ten days of receipt of the written notice, or the resolution of the Committee, then the report may be submitted to the Council meeting after that.