Agenda and minutes

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and/or other interest in any item on the agenda.

There were no Declarations of Interest.

The Committee is asked to confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meetings held on 21 December 2023 adjourned to 19 January 2024, 29, and 30 January 2024.

The minutes of the meetings held on 21 December 2023, 29 and 30 January 2024 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To receive minutes from Working Groups, in particular the Scrutiny Working Group of Monday 15 January 2024.

The minutes of the Equality, Inclusivity and Diversity at the Council Working Group were noted by the Committee.

To consider any matter referred to the Committee for a decision in relation to the call in of a decision.

This item was noted with a reminder to the Committee that there was a Call in to be held at a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 28 February 2024.

Councillor R Bullock presented the Scrutiny Suggestion of looking at the internal disciplinary procedure, in particular the appointment of Deciding Officer and whether it was appropriate for the Deciding Officer to be the Head of the same department as the employee under investigation.  An explanation of the current procedure was provided to the Committee and that in all cases, the appellant could object if they felt the Deciding Officer was not appropriate before or during the investigation or if there was any conflict of interest. The point raised was part of the procedure within the policy and all policies are reviewed through Local Joint Consultative Committee. Members decided that it was not a topic they wished to add to the work programme of Overview and Scrutiny Committee. However, they recommended it be reviewed as part of the next policy review with Human Resources and the relevant Committee.

          RESOLVED that the procedure be reviewed within the Policy at Local Joint Consultative Committee.  

To inform the Committee of items on the Cabinet’s work programme, from which items for scrutiny may be identified.

Members noted the Cabinet work programme.

The Committee is asked to approve its Work Programme, including identifying topics for scrutiny, that will help to achieve the Council’s key priorities and associated objectives.

The Committee considered the work programme. Flooding and phone calls were discussed. A reminder that the Housing Repairs would be scrutinised as a spotlight topic at the next meeting.

          RESOLVED that the work programme be approved.