Issue - meetings

Report of the Chief Executive

Presented by the Leader

The Chief Executive presented the report to Members.

She advised that the review process was a positive experience for both Members, staff and stakeholders, and the outcome would help shape the Council’s journey of improvement.  The core components of the review was made up of five key questions, these were detailed at paragraph 2.2 of the report.  The Peer Review Team recognised the positive feel to the Council, as well as the enthusiastic staff and committed Councillors who were striving to do their best for their communities.  The key recommendations were detailed at paragraph 3.4 and draft action plan was attached at Appendix A.

The journey to improve the scrutiny function was also recognised, as well as a need to support Members in understanding their role and maximising the benefits that effective scrutiny could bring to the Council.  Therefore, it was recommended that a cross party working group be established to oversee actions and improvements to the scrutiny function.

Councillor R Blunt was pleased with the Council’s change of ambition and the outcome of the peer review.  He also felt positively about the cross party working group.

In response to a question from Councillor R D Bayliss, the Chief Executive explained that ‘ward walkabouts’ would involve both ward members and officers.  Councillor R Blunt fully supported the proposed Ward Walkabout Programme as it would help Ward Members to understand what was happening in their wards and how issues could be addressed.  He added that focus would be on the new members initially.  Councillor T Gillard echoed the comments.

It was moved by Councillor R Ashman, seconded by Councillor R Blunt and

RESOLVED THAT:

1.      The Corporate Peer Team’s feedback and recommendations be noted and accepted.

2.      The action plan at Appendix A be approved.

Reason for decision:  To allow the Council to progress the proposed action plan in response to the corporate peer review feedback report.