Minutes for Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee meeting, Nov 30 2009, 6.00PM

<div class="mgLinks"> <ul class="mgActionList"> <li> <a href="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=4548&T=0" class="external" title="Link to agenda frontsheet pdf file">Agenda Frontsheet PDF 73 KB </a> </li> <li><a href="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=4548&T=10" class="external" title="Link to agenda reports document pack pdf file">Agenda reports pack PDF 745 KB </a></li> <li> <a href="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=4548&T=1" class="external" title="Link to printed minutes pdf file">Printed minutes PDF 70 KB </a> </li> </ul> </div><div class="mgContent"> Venue: Council Chamber, Municipal Buildings, Huyton. <a href="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/mgLocationDetails.aspx?RID=2" class="external" title="Link to directions to Council Chamber, Municipal Buildings, Huyton"> View directions</a> Contact: Graham Canning Items No. Item <a name="AI6826"></a>14. Declarations of interest Minutes: <div class="mgWordPara"> <div class="Section1"> The representative of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources reported that no Declarations of Interest had been submitted by Members. </div> </div> <a name="AI6827"></a>15. <a href="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=7409" class="external" title="Link to document 'Minutes' pdf file">Minutes PDF 70 KB </a> <div class="mgWordPara"> <div class="Section1"> To receive as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 28th September 2009. </div> </div> Minutes: <div class="mgWordPara"> <div class="Section1"> The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 28th September 2009 were received as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. </div> </div> <a name="AI7165"></a>16. The Forward Plan <div class="mgWordPara"> <div class="Section1"> To provide an opportunity for Members to comment on key decisions included in the latest Forward Plan which fall within the remit of this Committee. In this respect, Members’ attention is drawn to information that has been circulated separately by e-mail on 20th November 2009. A link to the information is set out below. <a href="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SCcordFP+12-09+-+032010&ID=526&RPID=552603&sch=doc&cat=12695&path=12695&StyleType=standard&StyleSize=none" class="external" title="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SCcordFP+12-09+-+032010&ID=526&RPID=552603&sch=doc&cat=12695&path=12695&StyleType=standard&StyleSize=none http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SSC12%2f09+-+0310+FPE&ID=525&RPID=5"> <span title="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SCcordFP+12-09+-+032010&ID=526&RPID=552603&sch=doc&cat=12695&path=12695&StyleType=standard&StyleSize=none http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SSC12%2f09+-+0310+FPE&ID=525&RPID=552598&sch=doc&cat=12854&path=12829,12833,12854&StyleType=standard&StyleSize=none"> Forward Plan Extract December 2009 - March 2010</a> </div> </div> Minutes: <div class="mgWordPara"> <div class="Section1"> Members were provided with an opportunity to comment on forthcoming key decisions in the Council’s Forward Plan for December 2009 to March 2010 which fell within the remit of the Committee. This information had been circulated separately to Members via e-mail. </div> </div> <a name="AI7166"></a>17. 2nd Quarter Performance Update <div class="mgWordPara"> <div class="Section1"> To consider 2nd quarter performance information relevant to this Committee. In this respect, Members’ attention is drawn to information which was circulated by e-mail on the 18th November 2009. <a href="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SCC+2nd+Quarter+Performance&ID=520&RPID=552450&sch=doc&cat=12696&path=12695,12696&StyleType=standard&StyleSize=none" class="external" title="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SCC+2nd+Quarter+Performance&ID=520&RPID=552450&sch=doc&cat=12696&path=12695,12696&StyleType=standard&StyleSize=none"> 2nd Quarter Performance Dashboard 2009-2010</a> </div> </div> Minutes: <div class="mgWordPara"> <div class="Section1"> Members considered information on the 2nd Quarter performance outturn for 2009/10 for services which fell within the remit of the Committee. This information had been circulated separately to Members via e-mail. </div> </div> <a name="AI7167"></a>18. <a href="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=7412" class="external" title="Link to document 'Review of Gambling Policy' pdf file">Review of Gambling Policy PDF 75 KB </a> <div class="mgWordPara"> <div class="Section1"> To consider the draft review of Gambling Policy prior to its submission to Cabinet and then full Council for approval. In this respect, please find attached a link to the Draft Gambling Policy. <a href="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SD527&ID=527&RPID=552835&sch=doc&cat=12695&path=12695&StyleType=standard&StyleSize=none" class="external"> Draft Gambling Policy</a> </div> </div> Additional documents: <ul class="mgBulletList"> <li> <a href="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=7413" class="external" title="Link to document 'Gambling Act List of responses to consultation Nov 09 Appendix B' pdf file">Gambling Act List of responses to consultation Nov 09 Appendix B, item 18. PDF 47 KB </a> </li> </ul> Minutes: <div class="mgWordPara"> <div class="Section1"> The Committee considered the report of the Principal Licensing Officer which sought Members’ views on the Authority’s revised draft gambling policy. Members were advised that the Gambling Act 2005 required the Council to review its gambling policy every three years and the current policy had to be reviewed and re-published by January 2010. The report set out the licensing objectives that the Authority had to promote, a copy of the revised policy and its proposed changes, and an outline of the review process. RESOLVED – That the revised draft Gambling Policy be endorsed and referred to Cabinet for approval. </div> </div> <a name="AI7169"></a>19. Feedback from Scrutiny Committees <div class="mgWordPara"> <div class="Section1"> To consider verbal updates on recent scrutiny activity. </div> </div> Minutes: <div class="mgWordPara"> <div class="Section1"> Members received a verbal update on the key areas of activity of each Scrutiny Committee. In particular, the following issues were highlighted:- Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny Committee <ul> <li class="MsoNormal">The Committee had recently endorsed the final report of its working group which had reviewed the issue of NEET (young people not in Education, Employment or Training). The review had come up with a series of recommendations which included the adoption of a localised partnership approach across the borough and more personalised, tailored forms of support for young people in this situation.</li> </ul> <ul> <li class="MsoNormal">The Committee was currently in the middle of its second review which was examining the Firm Foundations programme and its future sustainability.</li> </ul> <ul> <li class="MsoNormal">The Committee had conducted a mini-review into young people and smoking which had supported the existing approaches being carried out to deal with the issue. The mini-review had endorsed a renewed emphasis on reducing adult smoking which was recognised as a huge influence on young people. Efforts were also being made to reduce the circulation of cheap and illicit tobacco.</li> </ul> <ul> <li class="MsoNormal">The Committee had monitored important issues such as school attendance levels and safeguarding children. It had also revisited a 2005 review into the use of mobile phones in school and endorsed a revised approach to dealing with the issue which recognised the potential value of mobile phones in a school setting.</li> </ul> Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee <ul> <li class="MsoNormal">The Committee had recently concluded its review of Corporate Welfare Benefits and how the relevant processes could be streamlined and improved.</li> </ul> <ul> <li class="MsoNormal">The Committee was due to undertake a mini review that would consider the links between corporate Health & Safety and the Council’s Occupational Health Unit and whether they could be strengthened.</li> </ul> Economic Development and Environment Scrutiny Committee <ul> <li class="MsoNormal">The Committee had completed its first in-depth review of the year which was an examination of the Knowsley Works Plus programme and how the information and advice service was delivered. The Committee was confident that its recommendations would help to improve the support being provided to residents.</li> </ul> <ul> <li class="MsoNormal">Following a mini-review of the proposed new Green Space Strategy, the Committee had supported the revised version of the strategy and referred it onto Cabinet for endorsement.</li> </ul> <ul> <li class="MsoNormal">The committee had received an update on progress being made to implement the recommendations of a review undertaken into Kirkby Market. Members had also examined the approaches being adopted to deal with Climate Change and the related challenge of Carbon Reduction Commitments.</li> </ul> <ul> <li class="MsoNormal">The Committee’s review of the management of the Highways Capital Programme was due to be completed in the next few weeks.</li> </ul> Safer, Stronger Communities Scrutiny Committee <ul> <li class="MsoNormal">The Committee had completed a review of how new bye law making powers could be exploited to optimal effect. A series of recommendations had been made, which would assist the Council and its partners with the control and enforcement of activities.</li> </ul> <ul> <li class="MsoNormal">The Committee’s Behavioural Change working group was reviewing ways in which positive behaviours could be encouraged and negative behaviours deterred in relation to dog fouling, litter and fly-tipping.</li> </ul> <ul> <li class="MsoNormal">The Committee had received an ... <a href="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/mgAi.aspx?ID=7169" class="external" title="Link to view the full item text for item 19., Feedback from Scrutiny Committees"> view the full minutes text for item 19.</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <a name="AI7170"></a>20. <a href="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=7420" class="external" title="Link to document 'Mini-review - Improving Scrutiny in Knowsley' pdf file">Mini-review - Improving Scrutiny in Knowsley PDF 76 KB </a> <div class="mgWordPara"> <div class="Section1"> To conduct a mini review examining how the scrutiny process in Knowsley can be improved. In this respect, please find attached the following: (a) A presentation which will provide a framework for the mini-review session; (b) An update on the implementation of the Scrutiny Communications Plan; and (c) An early draft version of the Knowsley Partnership Scrutiny Protocol. </div> </div> Additional documents: <ul class="mgBulletList"> <li> <a href="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=7421" class="external" title="Link to document 'Communications Plan - update Nov 09 (2)' pdf file">Communications Plan - update Nov 09 (2), item 20. PDF 54 KB </a> </li> <li> <a href="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=7422" class="external" title="Link to document 'Draft Knowsley Partnership Scrutiny Protocol - Nov09' pdf file">Draft Knowsley Partnership Scrutiny Protocol - Nov09, item 20. PDF 382 KB </a> </li> </ul> Minutes: <div class="mgWordPara"> <div class="Section1"> The Committee considered a mini review examining how the scrutiny process in Knowsley could be improved. In this respect, Members considered the following:- (a) A presentation on improving Scrutiny in Knowsley which set out:- · </div> </div> 2009-12-23T21:09:44+00:00

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Meeting

Minutes

19619 Agenda Frontsheet PDF 73 KB Agenda reports pack PDF 745 KB Printed minutes PDF 70 KB Venue: Council Chamber, Municipal Buildings, Huyton. View directions Contact: Graham Canning Items No. Item 14. Declarations of interest Minutes: The representative of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources reported that no Declarations of Interest had been submitted by Members. 15. Minutes PDF 70 KB To receive as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 28th ...

<div class="mgLinks"> <ul class="mgActionList"> <li><a href="mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=4548&T=0" title="Link to agenda frontsheet pdf file">Agenda Frontsheet <img src="mgimages/logo-pdf-1.gif" alt="pdf icon" /> PDF 73 KB </a> </li> <li><a href="mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=4548&T=10" title="Link to agenda reports document pack pdf file">Agenda reports pack <img src="mgimages/logo-pdf-1.gif" alt="pdf icon" /> PDF 745 KB </a></li> <li><a href="mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=4548&T=1" title="Link to printed minutes pdf file">Printed minutes <img src="mgimages/logo-pdf-1.gif" alt="pdf icon" /> PDF 70 KB </a> </li> </ul> </div><div class="mgContent"> Venue: Council Chamber, Municipal Buildings, Huyton. <a href="mgLocationDetails.aspx?RID=2" title="Link to directions to Council Chamber, Municipal Buildings, Huyton"> View directions</a> Contact: Graham Canning  <table class="mgItemTable" id="mgItemTable" summary="Table of agenda items"> <caption class="mgSectionTitle">Items</caption> <tr> <th scope="col" abbr="No">No.</th> <th scope="col" abbr="Item">Item</th> </tr> <tr> <td class="mgItemNumberCell"><a name="AI6826"></a>14.</td> <td> Declarations of interest Minutes: <div class="mgWordPara"><div class="Section1"> The representative of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources reported that no Declarations of Interest had been submitted by Members.   </div> </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="mgItemNumberCell"><a name="AI6827"></a>15.</td> <td> <a href="mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=7409" title="Link to document 'Minutes' pdf file" class="mgAiTitleLnk">Minutes <img src="mgimages/logo-pdf-1.gif" height="10" alt="pdf icon" width="10" /> PDF 70 KB </a> <div class="mgWordPara"><div class="Section1"> To receive as a correct record  the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 28th September 2009. </div> </div> Minutes: <div class="mgWordPara"><div class="Section1"> The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 28th September 2009 were received as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.   </div> </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="mgItemNumberCell"><a name="AI7165"></a>16.</td> <td> The Forward Plan <div class="mgWordPara"><div class="Section1"> To provide an opportunity for Members to comment on key decisions included in the latest Forward Plan which fall within the remit of this Committee.   In this respect, Members’ attention is drawn to information that has been circulated separately by e-mail on 20th November 2009.  A link to the information is set out below.   <a href="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SCcordFP+12-09+-+032010&ID=526&RPID=552603&sch=doc&cat=12695&path=12695&StyleType=standard&StyleSize=none" title="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SCcordFP+12-09+-+032010&ID=526&RPID=552603&sch=doc&cat=12695&path=12695&StyleType=standard&StyleSize=none http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SSC12%2f09+-+0310+FPE&ID=525&RPID=5"> <span title="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SCcordFP+12-09+-+032010&ID=526&RPID=552603&sch=doc&cat=12695&path=12695&StyleType=standard&StyleSize=none http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SSC12%2f09+-+0310+FPE&ID=525&RPID=552598&sch=doc&cat=12854&path=12829,12833,12854&StyleType=standard&StyleSize=none"> Forward Plan Extract December 2009 - March 2010</a> </div> </div> Minutes: <div class="mgWordPara"><div class="Section1"> Members were provided with an opportunity to comment on forthcoming key decisions in the Council’s Forward Plan for December 2009 to March 2010 which fell within the remit of the Committee.  This information had been circulated separately to Members via e-mail.   </div> </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="mgItemNumberCell"><a name="AI7166"></a>17.</td> <td> 2nd Quarter Performance Update <div class="mgWordPara"><div class="Section1"> To consider 2nd quarter performance information relevant to this Committee.   In this respect, Members’ attention is drawn to information which was circulated by e-mail on the 18th November 2009.    <a href="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SCC+2nd+Quarter+Performance&ID=520&RPID=552450&sch=doc&cat=12696&path=12695,12696&StyleType=standard&StyleSize=none" title="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SCC+2nd+Quarter+Performance&ID=520&RPID=552450&sch=doc&cat=12696&path=12695,12696&StyleType=standard&StyleSize=none"> 2nd Quarter Performance Dashboard 2009-2010</a> </div> </div> Minutes: <div class="mgWordPara"><div class="Section1">             Members considered information on the 2nd Quarter performance outturn for 2009/10 for services which fell within the remit of the Committee.  This information had been circulated separately to Members via e-mail.   </div> </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="mgItemNumberCell"><a name="AI7167"></a>18.</td> <td> <a href="mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=7412" title="Link to document 'Review of Gambling Policy' pdf file" class="mgAiTitleLnk">Review of Gambling Policy <img src="mgimages/logo-pdf-1.gif" height="10" alt="pdf icon" width="10" /> PDF 75 KB </a> <div class="mgWordPara"><div class="Section1"> To consider the draft review of Gambling Policy prior to its submission to Cabinet and then full Council for approval.    In this respect, please find attached a link to the Draft Gambling Policy.   <a href="http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SD527&ID=527&RPID=552835&sch=doc&cat=12695&path=12695&StyleType=standard&StyleSize=none"> Draft Gambling Policy</a>       </div> </div> Additional documents: <ul class="mgBulletList"> <li> <a href="mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=7413" title="Link to document 'Gambling Act List of responses to consultation Nov 09 Appendix B' pdf file">Gambling Act List of responses to consultation Nov 09 Appendix B, item 18. <img src="mgimages/logo-pdf-1.gif" height="10" alt="pdf icon" width="10" /> PDF 47 KB </a> </li> </ul> Minutes: <div class="mgWordPara"><div class="Section1">             The Committee considered the report of the Principal Licensing Officer which sought Members’ views on the Authority’s revised draft gambling policy.               Members were advised that the Gambling Act 2005 required the Council to review its gambling policy every three years and the current policy had to be reviewed and re-published by January 2010.  The report set out the licensing objectives that the Authority had to promote, a copy of the revised policy and its proposed changes, and an outline of the review process.   RESOLVED – That the revised draft Gambling Policy be endorsed and referred to Cabinet for approval.   </div> </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="mgItemNumberCell"><a name="AI7169"></a>19.</td> <td> Feedback from Scrutiny Committees <div class="mgWordPara"><div class="Section1"> To consider verbal updates on recent scrutiny activity. </div> </div> Minutes: <div class="mgWordPara"><div class="Section1"> Members received a verbal update on the key areas of activity of each Scrutiny Committee.  In particular, the following issues were highlighted:-   Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny Committee   <ul style="margin-top:0cm"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">The Committee had recently endorsed the final report of its working group which had reviewed the issue of NEET (young people not in Education, Employment or Training).  The review had come up with a series of recommendations which included the adoption of a localised partnership approach across the borough and more personalised, tailored forms of support for young people in this situation.</li> </ul>   <ul style="margin-top:0cm"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">The Committee was currently in the middle of its second review which was examining the Firm Foundations programme and its future sustainability.</li> </ul>   <ul style="margin-top:0cm"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">The Committee had conducted a mini-review into young people and smoking which had supported the existing approaches being carried out to deal with the issue.  The mini-review had endorsed a renewed emphasis on reducing adult smoking which was recognised as a huge influence on young people.  Efforts were also being made to reduce the circulation of cheap and illicit tobacco.</li> </ul>   <ul style="margin-top:0cm"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">The Committee had monitored important issues such as school attendance levels and safeguarding children.  It had also revisited a 2005 review into the use of mobile phones in school and endorsed a revised approach to dealing with the issue which recognised the potential value of mobile phones in a school setting.</li> </ul>   Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee   <ul style="margin-top:0cm"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l5 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">The Committee had recently concluded its review of Corporate Welfare Benefits and how the relevant processes could be streamlined and improved.</li> </ul>   <ul style="margin-top:0cm"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l5 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">The Committee was due to undertake a mini review that would consider the links between corporate Health & Safety and the Council’s Occupational Health Unit and whether they could be strengthened.</li> </ul>   Economic Development and Environment Scrutiny Committee   <ul style="margin-top:0cm"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo3;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">The Committee had completed its first in-depth review of the year which was an examination of the Knowsley Works Plus programme and how the information and advice service was delivered.  The Committee was confident that its recommendations would help to improve the support being provided to residents.</li> </ul>   <ul style="margin-top:0cm"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo4;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">Following a mini-review of the proposed new Green Space Strategy, the Committee had supported the revised version of the strategy and referred it onto Cabinet for endorsement.</li> </ul>   <ul style="margin-top:0cm"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo4;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">The committee had received an update on progress being made to implement the recommendations of a review undertaken into Kirkby Market.  Members had also examined the approaches being adopted to deal with Climate Change and the related challenge of Carbon Reduction Commitments.</li> </ul>   <ul style="margin-top:0cm"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo4;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">The Committee’s review of the management of the Highways Capital Programme was due to be completed in the next few weeks.</li> </ul>   Safer, Stronger Communities Scrutiny Committee   <ul style="margin-top:0cm"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">The Committee had completed a review of how new bye law making powers could be exploited to optimal effect.  A series of recommendations had been made, which would assist the Council and its partners with the control and enforcement of activities.</li> </ul>   <ul style="margin-top:0cm"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">The Committee’s Behavioural Change working group was reviewing ways in which positive behaviours could be encouraged and negative behaviours deterred in relation to dog fouling, litter and fly-tipping.</li> </ul>   <ul style="margin-top:0cm"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">The Committee had received an  ...  <a href="mgAi.aspx?ID=7169" title="Link to view the full item text for item 19., Feedback from Scrutiny Committees"> view the full minutes text for item 19.</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="mgItemNumberCell"><a name="AI7170"></a>20.</td> <td> <a href="mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=7420" title="Link to document 'Mini-review - Improving Scrutiny in Knowsley' pdf file" class="mgAiTitleLnk">Mini-review - Improving Scrutiny in Knowsley <img src="mgimages/logo-pdf-1.gif" height="10" alt="pdf icon" width="10" /> PDF 76 KB </a> <div class="mgWordPara"><div class="Section1"> To conduct a mini review examining how the scrutiny process in Knowsley can be improved.   In this respect, please find attached the following:   (a)       A presentation which will provide a framework for the mini-review session;   (b)       An update on the implementation of the Scrutiny Communications Plan; and   (c)        An early draft version of the Knowsley Partnership Scrutiny Protocol.   </div> </div> Additional documents: <ul class="mgBulletList"> <li> <a href="mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=7421" title="Link to document 'Communications Plan - update Nov 09 (2)' pdf file">Communications Plan - update Nov 09 (2), item 20. <img src="mgimages/logo-pdf-1.gif" height="10" alt="pdf icon" width="10" /> PDF 54 KB </a> </li> <li> <a href="mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=7422" title="Link to document 'Draft Knowsley Partnership Scrutiny Protocol - Nov09' pdf file">Draft Knowsley Partnership Scrutiny Protocol - Nov09, item 20. <img src="mgimages/logo-pdf-1.gif" height="10" alt="pdf icon" width="10" /> PDF 382 KB </a> </li> </ul> Minutes: <div class="mgWordPara"><div class="Section1">             The Committee considered a mini review examining how the scrutiny process in Knowsley could be improved.               In this respect, Members considered the following:-   (a)       A presentation on improving Scrutiny in Knowsley which set out:-   ·        The national context for the review ·        Local developments; and ·        Potential areas for improvement, in particular with regard to workplans, in-depth reviews, committee meetings, the supply of information, communication and engagement, and support and guidance.             (b)       an update on the implementation of the Scrutiny Communications Plan and proposed activity for 2010; and   (c)        an early draft version of the Knowsley Partnership Scrutiny Protocol.   The following comments and questions were raised in respect of the potential areas for improvement:-   Workplans   Members expressed their support for the existing Scrutiny structure and indicated that the balance between activity at committee level and working group level was just about right.  Members also indicated that the number of mini reviews conducted annually by each committee was appropriate and should be retained.   The existing process in place for developing the annual workplan was supported by Members.   In-depth Reviews   Members felt that three in-depth reviews per committee per year, based on a five meeting format, was ideal.  However, whilst this provided an appropriate framework, Members felt that there should be sufficient flexibility built into the system to allow for further investigation when required.   Open working group membership was helpful and should be continued.   However, it was felt that this should be combined with a core membership of at least four Members and that each Member of the Committee should be included in the core membership of at least one working group.  It was further proposed that the time of the working group meetings should be determined by each Chairman, in consultation with the core Members of the working group.    The summary notes of evidence taking sessions had been extremely helpful, especially if a member had been unable to attend the meeting.   Communication and Engagement   Members endorsed the attempts that had been made to raise the profile of the Committees and their work, as outlined in the update at Appendix B to the report, and gave their support to the proposed ongoing communication activities.   Committee Meetings   Whilst it was recognised that most of the Scrutiny work was being undertaken by working groups, the Committee meetings provided an appropriate formal setting in which to agree and sign off reviews.   Representatives of the Borough’s Youth Parliament had already been co-opted onto the Children, Young People & Families Scrutiny Committee to provide a valuable input to the scrutiny process.  It was proposed that this invitation should be extended to all scrutiny committees and that appropriate mechanisms be put in place to support their attendance.   Supply of Information   Members stated that they were happy with the level of information they received and that they felt fully informed of developments related to their respective Scrutiny Committees.   It was suggested that the feasibility of publishing examples of best practice from Knowsley on the Centre for Public Scrutiny website  ...  <a href="mgAi.aspx?ID=7170" title="Link to view the full item text for item 20., Mini-review - Improving Scrutiny in Knowsley"> view the full minutes text for item 20.</a> </div> </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="mgItemNumberCell"><a name="AI7172"></a>21.</td> <td> Corporate Welfare Benefits Review <div class="mgWordPara"><div class="Section1"> Members will be aware that the final meeting of the Working Group will be held at the rising of today’s meeting.   In this respect, Members will be requested to grant delegated authority to the Working Group to submit its final report to Cabinet for approval. </div> </div> Minutes: <div class="mgWordPara"><div class="Section1">             The Committee was advised that the final meeting of the Corporate Welfare Benefits Review Working Group was due to be held at the rising of the meeting.  In this respect, Members were requested to grant delegated authority to the working group so that it could approve its final report for submission to Cabinet.              RESOLVED – That delegated authority be granted to the Working Group to agree its final report for submission to Cabinet for approval.         Minutes 14 to 21 be received as a correct record on 15th day of February 2009. </div> </div> </td> </tr> </table> <div class="mgHelpLine"> </div> </div>

Minutes for Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee meeting, Nov 30 2009, 6.00PM

2011-12-08T21:49:43+00:00

http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=147&MId=4548&Ver=4 Minutes for Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee meeting, Nov 30 2009, 6.00PM

http://openlylocal.com/documents/19619-Minutes-for-Scrutiny-Co-ordinating-Committee-meeting-Nov-30-2009-6-00PM