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

1. Introduction:

1.1 This report invites the Governance Committee to endorse an operating protocol for the Policy Review Committees with effect from the change in the style of their operation from 1 October 2006, the date set by the Leader of the Council for implementation of the initial outcomes of the Democratic Review.

2. The Draft Protocol

2.1 To support the new scrutiny arrangements inherent in the PRCs' new Terms of Reference and to provide an operating framework to guide all those involved with the work of the PRCs an internal protocol is proposed in the same way that protocols already exist as to the making of executive decisions, the deputations procedure, preparation of the Forward Plan etc. The protocol would replace the existing PRC protocol which was designed in 2001 to support the PRCs' operating arrangements at that time.

2.2 Given the step change expected in the approach by PRCs to their business, it is considered that the new protocol should be presented to the Governance Committee for members' observations before implementation with effect from 1 October 2006. The draft protocol has been the subject of consultation with the informal group of leading members of the PRCs and with Chief Officers and has not prompted any comments. The draft protocol, excluding forms and other operational documentation, is attached as an appendix to this report.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the draft protocol for PRCs set out as an appendix to this report be endorsed.

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 published works and documents which disclosure exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.