Further to minute 20 (20 September 2010), the Democratic Services Manager presented an update note in relation to the second Overview and Scrutiny Workshop, which had been held on 5 October 2010. Its aim had been to develop an action plan for strengthening and improving the overview and scrutiny function and it had provided an opportunity for the exploration of practice from other local authorities. Members had considered information presented from Blackpool, Hartlepool and Hertfordshire and the Democratic Services Manager outlined the outcomes from the second workshop.

Those outcomes included a suggestion that the Overview and Scrutiny undertaken at Wirral Council should be more widely promoted and that a leaflet/booklet detailing success stories should be produced. Chairs of Committees had agreed to give serious consideration to future topics for review for inclusion in the Scrutiny Programme Board’s Work Programme and to send ideas/suggestions to the Democratic Services Manager by email. Members also agreed that an internal “buddying” scheme should be considered to support Councillors new to the Overview & Scrutiny role. It was also agreed that Overview & Scrutiny Committees and the Scrutiny Programme Board’s agendas would be Member led rather than determined by officers. Consideration was given also to Members’ training requirements (see minute 32 post).

Members commented also, having regard to the number of meetings of the Cabinet, that there were not enough meetings of overview and scrutiny committees to ensure/enable effective scrutiny of Cabinet decisions. Members also expressed the view that a return to the Committee system may improve local accountability.

Resolved – That the Scrutiny Workshop Update be noted.