Agenda item

To consider a report on (a) Overview and Scrutiny arrangements, (b) Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of Member Bodies, and (c) Council Meeting dates 2023.

(a)  Overview and Scrutiny Arrangements

The Leader of the Council introduced the report and commented that the only proposed change to the overview and scrutiny arrangements was to split the Economy and Environment Panel into two separate panels. The change was proposed after discussions with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Panel, because of the emphasis in the Corporate Plan on the environment as well as the economy. The change would allow each of the Corporate Plan priorities to have at least one panel focused on its work.

In the ensuing debate the following points were raised:

·         The Chairman of OSPB commented that it was important that the Overview and Scrutiny structures accorded with the Council’s priorities. The additional panel also meant that the vast majority of councillors could become involved in scrutiny work and have an active role in shaping future policies. He thanked the previous Panel Chairmen, who had moved on to other political positions within the Council, for their contribution. He requested that the newly appointed Vice-Chairman of the Council be allowed to complete his work with the scrutiny task groups

·         The split of the Economy and Environment Panel was welcomed. It would enable more manageable and robust scrutiny of the subject matter

·         The Leader summed up and commented that part of the reason for the proposed change was to provide scrutiny members with the capacity to focus on important forward-looking policy development work.

RESOLVED: that

(a)  the revised Overview and Scrutiny Arrangements be approved as set out in paragraphs 5-7 of the report;

(b)  the number and size of the Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board and Panels and proposed allocation of seats between the political Groups on those bodies, other committees and on Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority be agreed as set out in Appendix 1 of the report;

(c)  individual members be appointed to those committees in accordance with the nominations from time to time of the respective political Groups in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, and requires the Assistant Director for Legal and Governance to give effect to such wishes expressed by the political Groups;

(d)  the Assistant Director for Legal and Governance be authorised to settle any outstanding details relating to the political structures and to make changes as necessary to the Council's Constitution (Articles and Appendices) to give effect to the Council's decisions and any other revisions necessary to reflect needs or circumstances.

(b)  Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of Member Bodies

RESOLVED that Members be appointed to the Chairman and Vice-Chairman roles in accordance with Appendix 2 of the report.

(c)  Council meeting dates 2023-24

County Council meeting dates were currently scheduled up to November 2022. To enable the 2023 meetings programme to be produced and help members plan their commitments, the Assistant Director for Legal and Governance suggested that further meetings of the Council were now scheduled for 2023 and through until the end of the next Municipal Year in 2024.

RESOLVED that the Council meeting dates for 2023 and early 2024 be approved as follows:

2023

12 January

16 February

18 May

13 July

14 September

9 November

2024

11 January

15 February

16 May