Issue - meetings

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive detailing the independent review of the Council’s broad governance framework undertaken by the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny commissioned by the Council and the associated action plan as a result.

Councillor Fitzhenry, Opposition Leader who was the Leader of the Council at the time the review was commissioned was in attendance and with the consent of the Chair addressed the meeting.

The Committee was re-assured that the report did not highlight any fundamental issues or flaws in the decision-making framework or anything unlawful had taken place, however it was noted that delivery of it needed development particularly when a new administration took control of the Council.

The Committee also noted that the Political Awareness Training Course for Officers had re-started post Covid, early discussions would be taking place before the all-out Elections in May 2023 with Group Leaders on what they would like to see in the first 30, 60, 90, 120 days of becoming the administration in order to better support the period of transition or change.

The 10-point action plan was noted but did need further development going forward and the Committee requested a progress report on the implementation plan prior to the pre-election period and purdah.

RESOLVED:

(i)  That the Committee noted the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny independent report on Governance detailed in appendix 1 of the report;

(ii)  That the 10-point action plan be endorsed; and

(iii)  That ta progress report on the implementation of the action plan is presented to Committee ahead of the pre-election period and purdah.