Issue - meetings

This is the annual report of the Statutory Scrutiny Officer on Overview and Scrutiny (O&S) activity within BCP Council.  There is a requirement to report on the work of O&S to the O&S Board and Committees and then to Council.  This promotes visibility of the O&S function and Council ownership of activity and any improvements required. 

The annual report contains a summary and analysis of O&S activity during 2024-25, reflections on working practices and identified improvements to strengthen the O&S function.

This report version is for consideration by the O&S Board and O&S committees, providing opportunity for comment prior to the supply of the final report to Council.  The Council will be the decision maker on any recommendations for change within the report. The final report to Council will be updated to incorporate the views of the O&S Board and Committees on these recommendations.

The Scrutiny Specialist presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. The report was the annual report of the Statutory Scrutiny Officer on Overview and Scrutiny (O&S) activity within BCP Council.  There is a requirement to report on the work of O&S to the O&S Board and Committees and then to Council.  This promotes visibility of the O&S function and Council ownership of activity and any improvements required. The annual report contained a summary and analysis of O&S activity during 2024-25, reflections on working practices and identified improvements to strengthen the O&S function. The Board was advised that Council would be the decision maker on any recommendations for change within the report The Board discussed a number of issues in consideration of the report including:.

·       Achievements – These included an improved scrutiny culture within BCP and stronger engagement from Cabinet and senior officers. There was greater willingness to bring difficult issues to scrutiny and openness to challenge. The Board was advised that statutory guidance emphasises culture as the most important factor for effective scrutiny.

·       Resource Constraints: There were currently 27 meetings scheduled annually plus multiple in-depth reviews. Current staffing levels were not able to support concurrent working groups effectively and some projects may stall due to lack of capacity. Some members suggested exploring additional resources in future, despite financial constraints.

·       Changes for future O&S work – These included a Limit of in-depth work to one topic at a time across all committees, rather than four concurrent projects and one project being scoped. Chairs and Vice-Chairs would prioritise topics and strengthen scoping to ensure impact. The function would encourage member-led “rapporteur” roles to progress research and reduce officer burden. Members agreed the proposals would improve focus and outcomes. Concerns raised about the need for flexibility if a project stalls—officers confirmed pragmatic management would apply.

It was outlined that the recommendations would go to Council for approval after they have gone to all O&S Committees for noting.

RESOLVED that the O&S Board support the recommendations within the report to Council.

Voting: Nem. Con.