Agenda item

To submit the report of the Chair of the Audit Committee  (attached).

Submitted - the report of the Chair of the Audit Committee submitting the recommendations of the Audit Committee on the new scrutiny model for May 2017.

The Deputy Leader set out the context before the Vice-chair of the Audit Committee submitted the recommendations in the absence of the committee's Chair.

It was suggested that a report should be submitted back to the full Council on the successes / failures of the new scrutiny system, regardless of which model would be adopted.
 

The following observations were submitted in favour of Option 1 (one scrutiny committee model):

·         The membership of the committee would take an overview and ensure that the scrutiny matters were things that really needed to be scrutinised.

·         The committee's meetings would coincide with the Cabinet's meetings so that Cabinet decisions could be tracked and then discuss with Cabinet Members. 

·         The committee would be able to ensure that the investigations had been carried out thoroughly.

·         The balance in terms of the fields would be determined by the scrutiny committee therefore it could place emphasis on whatever matters it wished.

·         Removed silos and the attention that needed to be given to each Council department.

·         Councillors would better understand how the Council worked as a whole.

The following observations were submitted in favour of Option 2 (three scrutiny committee model):

·         It would share the burden rather than place all the pressure on one scrutiny committee that would also be accountable for all scrutiny investigations.

·         It would separate the fields of Education and Social Services that were collectively responsible for 80% of the Council's expenditure.

·         It would be easier to ensure quality scrutiny by having a better grasp of subjects.

·         The one Scrutiny Committee model would be nothing more than a shadow cabinet without the responsibility.

·         It would be impossible for one committee of 15 members to provide an overview of all matters across the Council.

An amendment was proposed and seconded that the Council adopted a three scrutiny committee model.   As the result of the vote on the amendment was tied, the Chair used his casting vote in favour of the amendment.   Consequently, the amendment had carried.

RESOLVED

1.       To move to the three scrutiny committee model shown in Appendix 2 of the report with its advantages and disadvantages as the best model for the new Council.

2.       To adopt recommendations (a) to (f) in paragraphs 9.1 to 9.5 in the report, namely:

(a) Establish a system of regular discussion sessions.

(b) that the work programme for the year includes a higher proportion of matters that will be submitted for prior scrutiny. 

(c) That a procedure should be obtained where Cabinet Members invite scrutiny members to them to undertake specific work on policy development.

(ch) That the Leadership Team regular monitor the Council's Corporate Risk Register with the scrutineers.

(d) That more emphasis is placed on justifying why a matter is being scrutinised.

(dd)  To present a new concept of "Gwyntyllu".

(e) That the performance scrutiny pilot becomes a part of the Council's regular arrangements.

(f) That the Council identifies early the fields of interest and skills of individual members.

3.       That the Monitoring Officer submits a report to the next meeting of the Council recommending consequential amendments to the Constitution to implement the Council's decision.