Agenda item

The Scrutiny Manager gave an oral update report in relation to the Overview and Select Committees work for 2019-2020.

That Panel noted that as part of the scrutiny review, the final proposal on changes to the current scrutiny structure would be considered by Members in a couple of weeks’ time.  The agreed proposal will then be submitted to the Local Democracy Working Group and the Constitutional Working Party, before submission to the Council AGM.

Also noted by the Panel was that the work programmes for select committees were progressing, and all those identified for in-depth reviews were on track, with a view to conclude this municipal year:

In relation to current work undertaken by the Housing Select Committee (HSC), the Panel was pleased to note that work relating to residents’ engagement review was nearing completion. The HSC’s would consider recommendations Mayor and Cabinet at its meeting on 30 January 2020

The Scrutiny Manager further advised the Panel that the final report and recommendations on commercialisation and culture change in relation to work by the Public Accounts Select Committee (PASC) would be considered in March 2020.  It was stated that an evidence session with officers from LB Waltham Forest currently took place, that Members of the PASC would be attending a pilot commercialisation training session.

In relation to work of the Sustainable Development Select Committee, the Scrutiny Manager advised the Panel that the final report on parks management would be considered in March 2020, with a view to include suggestions for closer working with parks user groups and issues relating to planned insourcing of the service.

The Scrutiny Manager also provided an update on the work of the Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee, advising the Panel that the draft report for the equalities review would be considered in March 2020.  It was further advised that prior to the meeting in March meeting, 4 evidence gathering events would have taken place, including a visit to Glasgow City Council to see how they embed equalities, including socio-economic deprivation, into their services.  It was stated that a session on Lewisham’s Equality Impact Assessments, and another on Lewisham’s Commissioning processes and the consideration of equalities during service redesign/tendering would also would have taken place, including a meeting with the Chair of Lewisham’s Disability Commission.

An update relating to the work of the Children and Young People Select Committee (CYPSC) was also provided by the Scrutiny Manager.  It was noted that the CYPSC had considered the effect of out-of-borough temporary accommodation placements on children and young people, and would be making recommendations at its next meeting.

Chairs of select committees were invited to comment on their respective work programme.

The Chair, Councillor Bill Brown reported that he would be attending a meeting of senior council managers, at the invitation of the Chief Executive, to speak about the role and importance of scrutiny.  The Chair invited suggestions and comments from chairs of select committees via email directly to him on the issue.

Councillor Curran reiterated the importance of member engagement on the Local Plan and the Overview.  The Scrutiny Manager reported that there would be a member workshop on the Local Plan on 24 February – 6.30pm to 7.30pm before Labour Group. It was stated that the workshop was an opportunity for Members to have input into the plan prior to consideration by the Mayor and Cabinet in March 2020.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.