Contact: David Hinxman, 01962 847339: e-mail [email protected]

1. In furtherance of the implementation of the outcomes of the Democratic Review, draft terms of reference for the new style Policy Review Committees (PRCs) and draft terms of reference for the Hampshire Action Teams (HATs) to operate from 1 October 2006 are attached at Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 respectively.

2. The terms of reference for the PRCs have been drawn up in consultation with an informal members group comprising leading non-Executive members across all political groups. They require the County Council's approval pursuant to Part 1: Chapter 4.1(f) of the Constitution. It is suggested that the informal group should continue to meet say two or three times a year with scrutiny officers and to check that everything is delivering what it should, to suggest any improvements to the way the new arrangements are working and to support PRC Chairmen in developing their work effectively.

3. Given that the style of operation for the PRCs is expected to move away from traditional formal meetings, work is progressing on a protocol to assist PRC and Task and Finish/Scrutiny Review group chairmen and to guide members generally whether they are appointed to a review group or giving evidence. The draft protocol will be the subject of consultation with the chairman and the leaders of each of the political groups and, subject to endorsement by the Cabinet, will be brought to this Committee at its meeting on 27 September. The protocol would become an informal, Governance Committee endorsed supplement to the Rules of Procedure for PRCs set out in Part 3D of the Constitution.

4. The HATs terms of reference have been drawn up in consultation with the HATs chairmen. As the HATs are to operate on a pilot basis these do not impact on the Constitution but can be kept under review and adjusted as necessary in the light of experience.

RECOMMENDATION:

1) That the terms of reference for Policy Review Committees set out in

Appendix 1 be recommended to the County Council for approval with effect from 1 October 2006 pursuant to Part 1: Chapter 4.1(f) of the Constitution;

2) That the Hampshire Action teams' terms of reference set out in Appendix 2 be approved, to take effect from 1 October 2006.

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 disclosure exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.