Agenda item

Report of the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny

Councillor Payne said that he was pleased to present the report, but made it clear that it was mostly the work of the former Chair, Chris Mason, who changed the face of Overview and Scrutiny, in particular in how reports were presented, limiting reports to one page and  presentations to 10 minutes to allow Members more time to discuss and challenge.  The list of areas under scrutiny is wide-ranging, and the vast majority of those invited to the meetings are pleased to share what they are doing, with one or two exceptions in the past – in particular the NHS and former Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).  He was happy to report that the new PCC attended a recent meeting, spoke openly and at length, and was happy to answer all Members’ questions.  He had no hesitation in recommending the report to Members, and continued use of Overview and Scrutiny to challenge elements that need to be challenged.  Members can be confident that the committee can continue to do this, working in a constructive and supportive way for all people. 

A Member thanked Councillor Payne and his predecessor for their excellent work, but asked whether the committee could take another look at healthcare provision, in view of the recent CQC report.  She realised this should be a matter for the county Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC), but felt that if CBC’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee were able to look at the report in relation to what is happening in Cheltenham, it could be useful and potentially match or supersede the HOSC report.

A Member said that he would be attending a joint meeting of the county HOSC and Adult Social Care Committee the following day, which would be considering the CQC report.  He added that representatives of the NHS Trust had attended Overview and Scrutiny in the past, which had been very constructive. 

Councillor Payne agreed that the CQC report made very poor reading; Cheltenham should not accept the appallingly poor healthcare provision and lack of access to services  – this was highlighted on the Overview and Scrutiny Task Group on deprivation.  He said he would be happy to invite local or Gloucestershire NHS managers to Overview and Scrutiny to justify what they are doing.

The Leader thanked Councillor Payne for the report and for the excellent work of Overview and Scrutiny, and also for chairing the committee.  A Member who is currently chairing one of the task groups also wanted to add thanks to the unnamed officers for all their input, and Democratic Services for making the meetings run.

Councillor Payne thanked Members for their comments, and agreed that the level of support for committees provided by officers and Democratic Services was outstanding – he offered sincere thanks to them, and to current and previous Members of Overview and Scrutiny for all the work they do.

The Mayor moved to the vote, where Members voted unanimously in support of the recommendation:

1.    that the Annual Report of Overview and Scrutiny 2021-22 is noted.