Agenda item

The Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance & Growth) is invited to comment on the contents of the report and make any comments for Cabinet.

Executive Councillor: Sarah Conboy

By means of a report by the Head of Policy, Performance & Emergency Planning (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), The Corporate Peer Challenge Update 2025/26 Q1 Report was presented to the Panel.

Attention was drawn to page 58 of the report, commenting on the scrutiny process and asked for clarification on how the training has impacted how the items are coming to the Panel for discussion, referencing the higher volume at some meetings which can make it difficult to scrutinise effectively. The Panel heard that training was provided to Panel Members so they could own the scrutiny process such as bringing forward items they wish to be discussed. Open dialogue for further discussions was encouraged regarding the size of the Officer’s reports and what information is necessary for scrutiny.

Appreciation was shown for the report, but a question was raised regarding this being continuous work based on the actions presented. It was suggested that further information about the continued improvement within these areas would be helpful. Recommendation one in the report was also questioned, how the Joint Administration are prioritising their finances and funding to the priorities of the Council. It was confirmed to the Panel that the financial information requested is available but they would need to take this away and come back with a full answer for the Panel.

A question was raised relating to recommendation seven relating to future agendas being issued ahead of time, in that there was no additional time provided with the issuing of the current agenda. It was noted that there was still a large volume of reading required in a short space of time. The Chair agreed, advising she would look into seeing if a forward agenda could be shared with the Panel moving forward.

Concerns were raised relating to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and its absence from this report. The Panel heard that when the Peer Challenge was brought in, the Council were unaware of LGR so it could not be included at it is a reflection of the process at the time. It was advised that all of the work being undertaken around the Peer Challenge will be beneficial to the new unitary authority after reorganisation and that there will be a transition period which will help integrate systems and processes.

A question relating to the Communication Engagement strategy was raised regarding the short statements which were to accompany the Corporate narratives, which was to be used to communicate with staff and Members. Officers were asked where can the Members see examples of this in use. The Panel heard that this will be coming through imminently after a conversation with the Communications team earlier that day, confirming there is a campaign coming which will highlight the things the Council has done and that Members will be briefed further on this.

After concerns were raised involving actions which were due to be completed imminently, the Panel were assured that updates regarding this would be provided in the next quarterly update.

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the report.