The Mayor noted and agreed the reasons for urgency as set out in the report. The Mayor and Cabinet noted the pre-decision scrutiny questions and responses as tabled.

DECISION

1.    Note and endorse the improvements to training and support for Members.

2.    Note and endorse the approach taken to improve the effectiveness of the role of Statutory Scrutiny Officer.

3.    Note and agree the approach to be taken to improve the Overview and Scrutiny support function

4.    Note and endorse the officer actions to further enhance a positive relationship between scrutiny and the Executive comprising :

·            a review of scrutiny procedures in relation to the recently published good practice guides from the Centre for Public Scrutiny

·            the facilitation of a Scrutiny Protocol addressing issues such as how Cabinet will engage with scrutiny recommendations at Cabinet and establishing a process that supports a formal response to all issues referred to Cabinet by overview and scrutiny including recommendations, questions or calls for action.

·            As part of the review of the constitution reviewing the Scrutiny Procedures and the Scrutiny Toolkit set out in the Constitution, simplifying where useful.

5.    Note and endorse the actions to be taken to raise understanding and awareness of officers of the role of scrutiny.

6.    Note and endorse the proposals to increase the public profile and understanding of the scrutiny function of the council

7.    Note the specific equalities considerations as set out in Paragraph 6.1 of the report.

Action by

CHIEF EXECUTIVE (S. HALSEY)

Acting Deputy Director of Strategy, Improvement & Transformation (R. Beattie)

The Mayor noted and agree the reasons for urgency as set out in the report and noted the pre-decision scrutiny questions and responses as had been tabled.

The Mayor introduced the report that identified areas for improvement in the Council’s Scrutiny function and a set of dedicated actions to address them. The Mayor noted that some suggested ways forward will need to be the subject of further discussion and approval by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. There will be full engagement with scrutiny members when developing the annual forward plan and the vehicle to do it.

Robin Beattie, Director Strategy, Improvement and Partnership, provided further detail. Robin explained how the scrutiny function within the Council was integral to good governance by holding the executive accountable and driving transformation. Efforts were underway to enhance scrutiny's efficiency, effectiveness, and support for members, recognising areas for improvement in administration and member empowerment. Collaborative initiatives involving the Local Government Association aimed to elevate the scrutiny process and foster cross-party collaboration. Recommendations span five key areas, including

·         enhancing scrutiny's profile,

·         supporting members,

·         engaging with the community,

·         learning from peers, and

·         fostering internal collaboration.

The focus is on empowering the scrutiny function to drive positive change through a culture of improvement and collaboration, with recommendations intended to enrich oversight and governance processes within the Council.

Steve Halsey, Chief Executive added that he had been focusing on improving the officer structures supporting scrutiny. A development session highlighted the need to prevent politicisation of scrutinised issues to maintain focus on adding value and achieving meaningful outcomes.

The Mayor welcomes the report and stressed the value he placed on input from all elected Members, particularly valuing suggestions from experienced opposition members to learn and collaborate constructively. He aimed to be open to feedback and constructive criticism to improve governance practices. He did acknowledge the potential for political sentiments in discussions to sometimes hinder effective outcomes. Finally, he expressed hope that the inclusion of an opposition councillor as scrutiny lead for environment and climate demonstrated the Council’s commitment to broadening expertise and fostering collaboration across party lines.

RESOLVED that the Mayor in Cabinet:

1. Notes and endorse the improvements to training and support for Members.

2. Notes and endorse the approach taken to improve the effectiveness of the role of Statutory Scrutiny Officer.

3. Notes and agree the approach to be taken to improve the Overview and Scrutiny support function

4. Notes and endorse the officer actions to further enhance a positive relationship between scrutiny and the Executive comprising :

·           a review of scrutiny procedures in relation to the recently published good practice guides from the Centre for Public Scrutiny

·           the facilitation of a Scrutiny Protocol addressing issues such as how Cabinet will engage with scrutiny recommendations at Cabinet and establishing a process that supports a formal response to all issues referred to Cabinet by overview and scrutiny including recommendations, questions or calls for action.

·           As part of the review of the constitution reviewing the Scrutiny Procedures and the Scrutiny Toolkit set out in the Constitution, simplifying where useful.

5. Notes and endorse the actions to be taken to raise understanding and awareness of officers of the role of scrutiny.

6. Notes and endorse the proposals to increase the public profile and understanding of the scrutiny function of the council

7. Notes the specific equalities considerations as set out in Paragraph 6.1 of the report.