To submit
the report of the Chair of the Audit Committee
(attached).
Minutes:
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.
Supporting documents: