1. Summary

1.1. This report seeks to explain the constitutional position of Policy Review Committees and is presented for Members' information.

2. The Constitution

2.1. Appended to this report is a copy of Chapter 6 of the Constitution approved by the County Council on 30 March 2001. It sets out the constitutional position and the threefold role of the Policy Review Committees. Also attached is Part 3D - the Rules of Procedure for Policy Review.

3. Policy Development

3.1. The Cabinet and Executive Members may identify issues on which they wish to seek Policy Review Committees' views to assist them in making decisions

4. Scrutiny of Executive Decisions

4.1. This approach can be closely likened to the operation of Select Committees in Parliament. Policy Review Committees may wish to develop their own areas of work. Scrutiny includes call-in. Government guidance indicates that call-in should be exercised by exception.

5. Best Value

5.1. The Policy Review Committees have taken over responsibility for the County Council's Best Value reviews from the former Best Value Review Panels. Background information and reports on current reviews in the Committee's area are included elsewhere on the agenda for this meeting. There is considerable scope for involvement by all Members of the Policy Review Committee on an ongoing basis in the quest for best value.

6. Conclusion

6.1. Meetings of the Policy Review Committees have been scheduled using as a basis the dates set aside for the former programme area committees. Where possible, business will be managed to ensure that the views expressed by the Policy Review Committees are both timely in relation to decision making by the Executive and effective in calling the Executive to account.

RECOMMENDATION

That the report be noted.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1 Published works.

2 Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

4aR75901