Minutes:
6.1 The committee briefly discussed the structure of sub-committees and whether a return to “taxi-rank” rather than themed sub-committees might be useful. The general view was that themed sub-committees were more beneficial, allowing members to build up ownership, knowledge and expertise. Some chairs reported that work existed in this year’s work programmes which should be carried over into 2011/12. Members wondered whether the committee might pick up on areas which had not been included in the work plans of individual sub-committees.
6.2 Members considered the different practices in respect of cabinet member interviews. The view was expressed that the number of interviews undertaken by the committee might have restricted its ability to carry out other work. It was widely agreed that a large number of questions did not necessarily generate the best interview, for instance members felt that the recent interview of Councillor Fiona Colley, where a number of themes had been outlined, had produced a better idea of the cabinet member’s vision. It had also led to a more free-ranging discussion between committee members and the cabinet member.
6.3 The chair felt that cabinet member interviews were a valuable use of the committee’s time. While taking the view that it would be inappropriate to try and restrict the number of questions, she considered that it would be helpful to have further discussions about how best to explore a cabinet member’s views and vision rather than simply ask for facts and strategies which were accessible by other means.
6.4 A member questioned whether the size of the committee’s membership limited its effectiveness as a scrutiny body. Other members felt that reducing the membership would result in a loss of experience and impact on the opposition’s ability to call-in decisions. Some members took the view that scrutiny should be looking at outside bodies while other members felt that, especially in view of upcoming cuts in resources, the role of scrutiny should remain focussed on the cabinet and the council.
6.5 The chair reminded members that early in the next municipal year the committee would have the opportunity to review the scrutiny function in the light of the cuts. The head of overview & scrutiny would be bringing an initial paper to the committee. The chair felt that it was important for any members appointed to the committee in May to be able to take a full part in discussions.
6.6 Some members asked whether any changes could be made to the allocation of chairs of sub-committees to particular political groups. In respect of housing & community safety, the vice-chair commented that in his view the sub-committee had produced two excellent pieces of scrutiny work and that this had been in line with the priority given to this area by the majority group. Other members stressed that it would be important to know the allocation of chairs across groups in advance of the group AGMs in order to best reflect the interests and expertise of potential chairs.