Agenda item

The Committee considered the Scrutiny Work Programme for the 2018/19 municipal year.

Reviews

The Chair proposed that since the Combined Authority has changed noticeably in the last four years and now that a dedicated scrutiny officer has been appointed, the time is right to revisit and conduct a review of scrutiny arrangements and their effectiveness, with member involvement and input.

The review would take into account, as far as possible, anticipated updates to government guidance around scrutiny, expected later this year.

It was suggested that the review consider the resource capacity at the committee's disposal in order to match the Committee's desire – in light of changes to the terms of reference and the Combined Authority's policy framework – to consider a wider range of issues in a variety of different scrutiny methods beyond formal committee meetings.

Greater engagement with members of the public and their involvement in the scrutiny process was identified as a priority of the Chair, the Committee and the Combined Authority's Managing Director.

Members suggested 'scrutiny in the community', travelling meetings and field research should be explored as methods to increase engagement with the public, local businesses, organisations, academic experts and other local stake holders including district scrutiny committees and networks.

The benefit of engagement with experts was highlighted as a particular opportunity, considering the number of relevant academic studies at local universities.

The size and governance of the Committee was noted as making some scrutiny methods impractical, with the Chair proposing the main committee maintain a strategic focus, delegating more focused tasks and issues to subgroups, which have been successful in providing challenge and making an impact through constructive recommendations.

It was suggested that consideration be given to possibly formalising working groups or the process by which they report back to the main committee.

Agenda Forward Plan

The Chair suggested the number of issues considered at each meeting be limited to two to allow for more focused and detailed discussion and also recommended that past issues considered by the Committee, such as flood alleviation/resilience and inclusive growth, be revisited to monitor progress.

On the Chair's suggestion, the Committee agreed to invite Councillor Jenny Lynn, representing Calderdale Council's scrutiny boards, to present the findings of their review of Calderdale Council's engagement with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The Committee also agreed to consider budget planning, priorities and structure at the next meeting, as well as an item on the outcomes of the business grants programme and steps being taken to ensure a consistency of standards is applied to grants appraisal and approval.

Members also suggested a variety of issues for further consideration in the forward plan, including;

·         how the Combined Authority engages with the public and how the public are involved in decision making,

·         what the Combined Authority is doing to facilitate or provide meaningful apprenticeships across all sectors,

·         what current programmes and strategies address fuel poverty,

·         plastics and the waste generated by use of plastics,

·         fire safety standards in housing

·         productivity – as a standalone item

·         Tourism and the possibilities of a 'tourism tax'

Resolved: 

i)            That the Scrutiny Officer begin a review into the Combined Authority's current scrutiny arrangements, incorporating the Committee's suggested focuses, and report back to a future meeting.

ii)          That the agenda items suggested in paragraphs 2.9 - 2.13 of the work programme report be added to the agenda of the suggested meetings, as follows:

(a)      Budget planning and priorities - 14 September 2018

(b)      Business grants - 14 September 2018

(c)       Calderdale Council's contribution to the Combined Authority - 14 September 2018

(d)      Devolution - 16 November 2018, 18 January 2019 and 22   March 2019, and/or as developments arise

(e)      Assurance Framework - 18 January 2018

iii)         That agenda items suggested by members be explored and added to the forward plan as suitable.

iv)         That the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) Working Group be re-appointed (on an interim basis) and that Councillor Mike Pollard be selected to fill the vacancy.

v)          That the Transport Working Group be re-appointed (on an interim basis) and that Councillor Denise Ragan be selected to fill the vacancy.

vi)         That the SEP Working Group consider the Assurance Framework with a particular focus on risk management and appetite and report back to a future meeting.

vii)        That the Transport Working Group meet to consider the new Transport Committee Chair's priorities and how the Overview and Scrutiny Committee can better engage with the Transport Committee and transport issues without duplicating efforts and report back to a future meeting.