Issue - meetings

The Scrutiny Officer submitted the work programme report and explained that the work programme of items had been drafted following topics suggested at a July Workshop when Members were asked to put forward ideas for scrutiny which Members could review for the 2023/24 civic year.

The Scrutiny Officer advised that clarification had been sought from Heads of Service on some of the topics and responses had been forwarded to Members on 31 August. She said that it was now for Members to take a view on the topics and decide how these should be scrutinised and to determine the reporting timeframe for each topic.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed the items listed in the work programme and agreed the following timescales for topics:

Social Housing Providers – Scrutiny Officer to seek information from Head of Housing and Health then approach Registered Social Landlords (RSL’s) to seek information on the questions posed.  Information will be fed back to Members prior to January 2024 when Members will be asked to decide next steps. January 2024

Access to parks for disabled children – site visit in 2024 to gather evidence. Scrutiny Officer to liaise with key officer and advice Members.

Climate Change – Target Carbon Neutrality – January 2024 – Summary Bulletin to be circulated on the questions posed.

UK Share Prosperity Money – Overview and Scrutiny noted that an all Member Briefing was planned for 7 December when Members would be provided with a summary of all sources of funding. This could again be considered in the context of the Work Programme in January 2024.

Digital exclusion – The issue of literacy was discussed and Members sought further information from HCC. March 2024

IT and Digital Innovation (Cyber Security) – March 2024 – Summary Information Bulletin

Smart Devices and improvement to Council services – Scrutiny Officer to approach Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS) Dr Howe (whose area is digital innovation and, smart devices and social change).

Policing – financial support given to PCSO provision, financial breakdowns.  Scrutiny Officer to contact HAPTC for information - March 2024.

Councillor Clements proposed and Councillor Cox seconded, a motion that, subject to the above timescales, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee work programme in Appendix 1 for 2023-24 be agreed. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that, subject to the above timescales, the work programme in Appendix 1 for 2023-24 be agreed.