Issue - meetings

To consider the initial future design of a scrutiny structure for West Surrey Council.

Report to follow.

The Sub-Committee considered a report that sought feedback from the Committee to input into the future design of the post-vesting day scrutiny function for West Surrey.

A multiple thematic scrutiny model with a small number of members on each was considered to be the best model of scrutiny for West Surrey.

The Sub-Committee were advised that a dedicated Scrutiny Officer had been recruited for the shadow authority period.

The final structure would be developed after consultation with the Shadow Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Group Leaders.

The Constitution Sub-Committee RESOLVED to:

1.    Consider the legislative requirements of a Local Authority scrutiny function alongside the Government’s statutory scrutiny guidance and best practice information,

2.    Note the post vesting day arrangements that were put in place for the scrutiny function of councils that have recently undergone Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and those of the seven predecessor councils in West Surrey; and

3.    Provide feedback and steer to input into the development of the West Surrey Council post vesting day scrutiny arrangements and endorse the proposed approach to engagement with political groups on further development of these to come back to a future meeting of the Constitution Sub-Committee for approval; and

4.    To recommend option 1 to the Standards Committee:

To consider the best practice guidance and information from other LGR Unitary Authorities and provide feedback to officers to enable them to draw up detailed proposals for future consideration.