Issue - meetings

The report includes the achievements of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees and demonstrates where the scrutiny function has added value to the organisation, in terms of improved service delivery and helping the Council to achieve its corporate ambitions.

Councillor Clare Golby (Chair of Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee) moved the motion. Council was informed that scrutiny is a key element of its work. It has a tangible impact on people’s lives and serves to ensure their safety and save money. Officers were thanked for their hard work. New members were particularly encouraged to read the report as it contains much information that will be of use to them.

Councillor Adrian Warwick (Chair of the Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee) seconded the motion and reserved the right to speak.

In the absence of the Chair of the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Yousef Dahmash, Councillor Margaret Bell noted that his committee had undertaken some thorough work around educational outcomes and SEND. The highlight of meetings was when young people were able to attend to share their experience. This year young people with experience of care spoke regarding the House Project.

Councillor Jonathan Chilvers thanked Councillor Dahmash for his hard work as Chair of the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee. He added that there is a danger of trying to do too much in committee meetings and expressed support for the idea of getting people in from outside to contribute to meetings. The use of MS Teams to hold briefing sessions was seen as a positive development to be encouraged.

Councillor Chris Kettle thanked Councillor Wallace Redford for his work on the Horton Joint HOSC. It is important, he said, to ensure that changes are not made by those outside of Warwickshire without appropriate engagement.

Councillor Adrian Warwick (Seconder of the Motion) acknowledged that Overview and Scrutiny is vital to the work of the council. Acting as a critical friend, looking at what has gone well and not well, it has been aided over the last year by the timely deployment of MS 365 and the hard work of officers.

A vote was held. The motion was agreed unanimously.

Resolved:

That Council notes the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2020/2021