Issue - meetings

Report of the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny

The Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee (O and S) said it had been an exciting couple of months since her election, and she had been trying to meet the expectation set by her deeply missed predecessor, Councillor Payne.  She was proud of the progress and wide range of issues examined by O and S.  Members will be aware of the recent call-in, the first for some years, which resulted in productive discussion and the formation of a task group which she hoped would replicate the great work done by Multiple Deprivation task group earlier this year.

Inclusion and public consultation is a priority, and other key issues include looking at MX, discussions with Publica through their challenging situations, and feeding ideas into the culture strategy and tourism.  She was looking forward to seeing what would be achieved in the year ahead, in particular a potential scrutiny task group dedicated to accessibility, an issue which Councillor Tooke has asked to be examined.

Finally, she thanked Democratic Services for helping her adjust to the role and facilitating invaluable training

There were no Member questions, but in debate, Members commented as follows:

-       Thanks to several people involved with the Multiple Deprivation Scrutiny Task Group who have now left CBC:  former Councillor John Payne, who did a huge amount as chair and was a great partner; Darren Knight, who  has now moved to a different authority with a well-deserved promotion, based on the work delivered with O and S; Harry Mayo, who created the report; and Richard Gibson and his team who are tasked with delivery and monitoring of recommendations and do a fantastic job. It is important that we took time to look closely at pockets of deprivation in the town, speak to people in front line dealing with it, and look at what we and our partners can do to help;

-       Thanks to the Chair for stepping up to the role;

-       O and S is a lot more structured now than it was a few years ago, thanks to the chairmanship of former Councillor Mason, and we should all be mindful of the best practice of having opposition Members on O and S to scrutinise the Cabinet’s agenda.

In summing up, the Chair added her thanks to officers for their ongoing hard work.   

RESOLVED THAT:

-        the Annual Report of Overview and Scrutiny 2022-23 is noted.