Issue - meetings

Andrew Beesley, Head of Democratic Services presented the Report of the Cross Party Review of Overview & Scrutiny to the Governance Committee.

At the Council meeting in June 2017, Council resolved to establish a cross party working group to review the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny (O&S) arrangements.

The report presented detailed the findings of that review together with recommendations seeking to alter the current O&S governance within the Council.

The Review Group consisted of six members, one from each political group of the London Borough of Havering and was chaired by Councillor Michael White.  There were six separate meetings and a number of tasks were undertaken to identify a number of key issues which were taken forward for more detailed attention.  These were:

·       The organisational culture and attitude towards O&S;

·       Developing an O&S regime which focusses on delivery and monitoring of outcomes; including setting the O&S agenda and methods of delivery

·       Clearly defined roles and responsibilities;

·       Key skills required for O&S and a commitment to ongoing training and development for Members;

·       O&S governance structure;

·       Remuneration;

·       Officer support.

The Review Group identified the most significant factor in determining the effectiveness of O&S is the organisational culture of the Council.  Having a positive attitude which universally recognised that O&S could play a productive part in the decision making process, was vital.

The Review Group looked at a number of key drivers required namely:

•        Overview & Scrutiny be given a high status within the local authority.

•        Ensure that Members take a clear lead in deciding the overview and scrutiny programme.

•        Focus on policy considerations, and not let party loyalties overwhelm discussions.

•        Be pro-active, and not only be about scrutinising decisions (pre-decision and horizon-focussed scrutiny)

•        Communicate effectively and openly – with the executive and the public.

The Group concluded that the number of O&S committees should be reduced. This would be offset by an increased role and work load which would go to topic groups in either in-depth or rapid reviews.  It was proposed that the O&S Board would be retained. The proposed structure is detailed in a flow diagram at page 100 of the Agenda and consists of the O&S Board, two overarching Scrutiny Committees one for “Places” and one for “People”.  Topic Groups would stem from all three.  The areas of responsibility proposed are also set out at page 101.

The Review Group concluded that O&S in Havering required adjustment.

Discussion followed, taking in account all of the documentation presented in the report including a revised guide to Overview & Scrutiny.

The Leader, Councillor Roger Ramsey, expressed concerns as to how this would be taken forward to enable the statutory obligations of various Scrutiny Committees to be fulfilled.

Governance Committee:

Noted the report of the Review Group and the proposals made therein. 

However, it was decided this would be dealt with following the election of the new administration in May, 2018.