Agenda item

To consider updates on the work of scrutiny panels.

A report of the Head of Strategic Support to review the progression of scrutiny panels was submitted (item 9 on the agenda files with these minutes).

The Democratic Services Manager assisted with the consideration of this item. The following summarises the discussion:

      i.        The Waste Management Scrutiny Panel meeting scheduled for 14th December 2021 had been postponed, which meant that the panel timeline would need to be extended to May 2022.

    ii.        The Budget Scrutiny Panel report was submitted to the Scrutiny Commission, outlining a number of observations made by the panel. It was noted that future meetings of the panel would be required to recommend on financial impact, savings and income with regard to the year’s budget. Some of the topics highlighted for consideration in the next cycle of Budget Scrutiny Panel meetings were void properties, garages and the scoping of car parks and charges.

   iii.        The Chair of the Crime, Youth Crime and ASB Scrutiny Panel was due to meet with officers to discuss the scoping document for the panel. Following this discussion, the scoping document would be submitted to the Scrutiny Commission for approval.

   iv.        An email inviting expression of interest in participation in the Combatting Loneliness Scrutiny Panel had been sent to all eligible members. Work on this panel will commence following the appointment of members.

    v.        The scoping document for the Digitisation and Transformation of Services Scrutiny Panel was reviewed by the Scrutiny Commission and no issues were highlighted. The scoping document was approved and work on the panel could commence following the meeting.

   vi.        It was suggested that the Promoting Tourism in Charnwood Scrutiny Panel was deferred due to the resource implications on officers. It was suggested that the panel should commence in March/April 2022.

RESOLVED

1.    That the progress of scrutiny panels be noted.

2.    That the Waste Management Scrutiny Panel should be extended to May 2022.

3.    That the Budget Scrutiny Panel report be approved for submission to the Cabinet at its meeting on 10th February 2022.

4.    That the Digitalisation Scrutiny Panel scoping document be approved and that work on this panel commence in February 2022.

5.    That the Promoting Tourism in Charnwood Scrutiny Panel start date be deferred to March/April 2022 due to the officer resourcing implications. It was suggested that the panel should commence in March/April 2022.

Reasons

1-5. To ensure timely and effective scrutiny of the matter and subject.

Councillor Popley, attending virtually, confirmed that he would have voted in support of the recommendations set out in the report had he been physically present at the meeting and able to do so.