A recommendation from the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee meeting of 26 April, 2017 on a review of scrutiny arrangements. (Minute and report attached, including a revised Calendar of Meetings).

The Council considered a recommendation from the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee of 26 April, 2017 on a review of scrutiny arrangements.

It was moved by Councillor McLaughlin and seconded by Councillor Abbey that the recommendations of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee of 26 April, 2017 (minute 32 refers) be approved.

One amendment, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting, was submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(1) and (9), as follows:

Amendment

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell

Add to Recommendation (4)

The Council welcomes the recommendation of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee to have separate Overview and Scrutiny Committees looking at Adults and Children’s Services independently. These new arrangements should now provide a greater insight into the issues raised by Ofsted.

In approving Recommendation 4, the Council wishes to ensure that the provision of relevant information should not just be referred to the most appropriate Overview and Scrutiny Committee but should be provided in a more timely manner. This includes the reporting of financial information which, because of the timing of the Cabinet and Committee meetings, can be several months out of date when it is considered by Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

The Council requests that all the Overview and Scrutiny Committees receives the latest available financial monitoring report at each Committee meeting, with an updated commentary on the achievement of savings and sources of income. Consideration should also be given to re-introducing the monthly financial statements provided to all Elected Members. By these means, the Council recognises that it should be better placed to manage Wirral's finances in the context of the Government's programme of grant reductions whilst seeking to ameliorate them.

Councillor McLaughlin stated that the Labour Group was happy to accept the Liberal Democrat Group amendment.

A vote was then taken on the amendment and it was carried (59:0) (One abstention).

The substantive motion, as amended was then put and it was carried (59:0) (One abstention)

Resolved (59:0) (One abstention) - That:

(1)  the remit of the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee be divided to create two new Committees - Adult Care and Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Children and Families Overview & Scrutiny Committee;

(2)  membership of the four Overview and Scrutiny Committees be set at 15 Elected Members on a ratio of 9, 5, 1 (note: existing education co-opted members be appointed to the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee);

(3)  the impact on the political proportionalities arising from future changes to the membership of the revised Overview and Scrutiny Committee Structure be reviewed by the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee as part of its 2017/18 Work Programme;

(4)  relevant Financial and Performance Reporting relating to each Committee be provided. Council welcomes the recommendation of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee to have separate Overview and Scrutiny Committees looking at Adults and Children’s Services independently. These new arrangements should now provide a greater insight into the issues raised by Ofsted.

In approving recommendation (4), the Council wishes to ensure that the provision of relevant information should not just be referred to the most appropriate Overview and Scrutiny Committee but should be provided in a more timely manner. This includes the reporting of financial information which, because of the timing of Cabinet and Committee meetings, can be several months out of date when it is considered by Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

The Council requests that all the Overview and Scrutiny Committees receive the latest available financial monitoring report at each Committee meeting, with an updated commentary on the achievement of savings and sources of income. Consideration should also be given to re-introducing the monthly financial statements provided to all Elected Members. By these means, the Council recognises that it should be better placed to manage Wirral's finances in the context of the Government's programme of grant reductions whilst seeking to ameliorate them.

(5)  the Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) payable to the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chair be paid to the Chairs of Adult Care and Health Overview & Scrutiny and Children and Families Overview & Scrutiny Committees;

(6)  all Chairs / Vice-Chairs / Spokespersons will continue to meet on a regular basis to allocate scrutiny work that may cut across the responsibility of more than one Overview and Scrutiny Committee;

(7)  the Council’s Calendar of Meetings be revised to incorporate changes to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Structure and recommended to Council for adoption; and

(8)  the Council’s Constitution be updated accordingly and be recommended to the Council for adoption.