Archived decisions
Item 13
Policy and Resources Select Committee
Proposal for Review of guidance affecting Hampshire County Council's Scrutiny arrangements
Contact: Scrutiny Officer
1. Introduction
Arrangements for scrutiny were a key focus of the Hampshire County Council Review of Democratic Services, the outcomes of which were reported to Full Council in July 2005. Implementation of the new approach towards scrutiny began in Autumn 2006 with Committees operating under revised terms of reference.
There is recognition that the new ways of working have brought about significant change for Members and officers of the Council and, having worked with the new system for several months, it has become evident that it would now be helpful to reconsider certain aspects of its operation.
2. Timeliness and relevance
New scrutiny arrangements have been in place at the Council for almost a year and the learning from this initial period indicates that now is an excellent time to take stock of the current situation and identify opportunities for further improvement. Early impressions from auditors during the recent Comprehensive Performance Assessment show that scrutiny is well on-track and the Policy and Resources Select Committee, with its overarching coordinating role for scrutiny and responsibility for scrutinising corporate policy and performance, will have interest in ensuring that this performance is maintained.
Recognition of scrutiny's importance in ensuring transparent democratic processes and robust decision making is on the rise nationally and there are some excellent examples of best practice in scrutiny to be observed. The Local Government White Paper 2006 reinforced the role of scrutiny in ensuring effective, accountable and responsive local government by granting extended powers to scrutiny committees, thus broadening their remit and profile. It is therefore essential to ensure that scrutiny is a well-understood and robust function in Hampshire.
Increased focus on working in partnership with other statutory agencies and external organisations means that further consideration of how best to engage partners in scrutiny could also be made.
3. Progress with scrutiny to date
Much progress has already been made in Hampshire as the progress reports from the Select Committees at Annexes A-E show. However, there is potential for further refinement and clarification of the role of scrutiny and its objectives as this will assist in achieving continued good performance.
4. Scope of the Review
A review of this topic could include the following:
a) Recognition of scrutiny's progress since Autumn 2006, to include:
· Achievements of the Select Committees
· Members' and officers' current perceptions and understanding of scrutiny
b) A review of current scrutiny operating protocols to identify areas requiring further clarification or amendment, to include:
· Operation of scrutiny reviews (`task and finish groups'), including consideration of group composition and reporting mechanisms
· The relationship between Executive Members and Scrutiny Committees
· Selection and prioritisation of work programmes
· Protocols for the writing and submission of reports to committees
· Clarification of legal and constitutional implications of different types of scrutiny i.e. Call-in
· Involvement of external organisations in scrutiny i.e. districts
c) A review of the effectiveness of current communications protocols for scrutiny including:
· Communications with Executive Members when responding to scrutiny recommendations
· Communications with stakeholders and the public
· Internal communications about scrutiny's role and purpose
d) Learning from the experiences of external peers with well-established and highly-regarded scrutiny functions
5. Anticipated outcomes of the Review
· That Hampshire guidance on the operation and purpose of scrutiny is robust and user-friendly
· That ways of helping all Members, officers and external stakeholders to understand the role and purpose of scrutiny are identified
· That new opportunities for working with Districts and other external partners are identified
6. Indicative Key Stakeholders
· Hampshire County Council Cabinet members
· HCC Select Committee members
· HCC Liberal Democrat and Labour spokesmen
· HCC lead officers
· District council scrutiny chairmen
· Hampshire Action Teams
· HCC Legal Services
· HCC Democratic Services
· Portsmouth City Council Scrutiny Manager
· Local Strategic Partnership Chairmen
7. Proposed approach
It is suggested that a series of workshops and informal meetings with stakeholders is arranged in order to facilitate discussion of key issues. Work to commence in Autumn 2007 and continue for 6 months.
Annexe A
LOCAL GOVERNMENT PRCs - Progress Report: November 2006 - April 2007
POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE : Policy & Resources
SUMMARY OF PRE SCRUTINY / SCRUTINY WORK
Pre scrutiny / scrutiny areas of investigation and influence |
Action/s |
Outcome/s |
Estimated impact / influence |
1. Consideration of refurbishment of Ashburton Court |
PRC requested update on current status of this project in Dec 06. |
PRC identified that there was no corporate policy on sustainable procurement and recycling of office furniture. Scrutiny Review of this topic put forward to the Work Programme for further investigation. |
- That current expenditure on office furniture and fittings is quantified in departmental budgets. -That any areas for improvement in the current systems for purchasing, replacing and recycling furniture are identified. -That the possibility of creating a specific corporate policy on furniture purchase, replacement and recycling is investigated, with recommendations communicated to the P&R PRC and Executive |
2. County Council finance and budgets |
Quarterly updates from County Treasurer on items identified by PRC for consideration |
-Challenge to the County Treasurer and discussion of issues. Recommendations to Executive on changes to Annual Budgets -PRC identifies areas requiring regular monitoring or further scrutiny. |
-Recommendations on finance for Outdoor Centres accepted by Executive and further scrutiny work commissioned to look into sustainable funding in this area. -Short piece of scrutiny work on the use and cost of consultants commissioned to clarify the definition of consultancy and get a clear overview of the types of consultancy undertaken at HCC. |
3. County Council IT Services |
6 monthly updates from Director of IT on items identified by PRC for consideration. |
Providing challenge and support to IT Services department and making recommendations for improvement. |
PRC maintains a strategic view of the work of IT Services and is able to make constructive recommendations or challenge on specific items. |
4. Scrutiny Reviews scheduled |
-Furniture purchasing and replacement (see 1 above) -Use of consultants (see 2 above) -Possible joint review with external partners on issues highlighted in Local Government White Paper tbc.
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DETAIL OF POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE WORK
PRC role |
Type of activity and date |
Outcome, including action/s |
Impact/Influence |
Scrutinising the work of the Executive and the County Council as an organisation |
-Dec 4 2007: regular update on Ashburton Court refurbishment, with particular focus on policies for the recycling of office furniture and fittings. -Regular consideration of Executive forward decision lists to identify topics for pre-scrutiny. |
-PRC established that no corporate policy exists on this subject. Topic referred for full select committee scrutiny review underway in 2007. -Selection of topics for further consideration and scrutiny. |
- Recommendations on current HCC policy and practice in this area are made to the Executive. -Holding Executive decisions to account. |
Questioning and exploring areas of interest and concern |
- 4 Dec 06: briefing on the Local Government White Paper |
-PRC identified the Community Call for Action for further research and scoping of a possible scrutiny review. |
-PRC rejected scrutiny proposal due to lack of central government clarity over proposals for CCA. Alternative opportunities for scrutinising partnership-related policy development issues being investigated. Proposals to be presented to July meeting of PRC. |
Monitoring the strategic management of performance |
-Quarterly updates from County Treasurer's Department on issues related to County Council's finance. -Scrutiny of the County Council's Annual Budget -6 monthly briefings from Director of IT Services. -6 monthly performance updates scheduled, starting July 07. |
-Topics scrutinised include: levels of insurance claims against the council, consultancy costs, feasibility costs. -Debate and discussion of County Council's priorities for spending and savings. Identification of items requiring further monitoring throughout annual cycle. -PRC receives updates on IT-related topics of its choice i.e. updates on the implementation of the Best Value Review of IT Services. -Briefings on Corporate Performance Assessments and the Corporate Business Plan |
-Members receive up-to-date information on financial issues and identify areas for further consideration. Use and cost of consultants identified as a topic for extra work within the Work Programme. -Increased understanding of the financial background to the Council's work. Members are able to provide constructive challenge on financial issues. Recommendations for alterations made to the Executive.
-Providing support and challenge to departmental policy and practice. PRC maintains a strategic view of IT related issues. -PRC receives up-to-date performance information to guide their debate on issues falling within their terms of reference and that of other PRCs. |
Questioning Executive members about performance, direction and decisions |
None as yet. |
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Pre-scrutinising recommendations from the Decision Programme |
Revenue Budget and Capital Programme, 1 February 07 -Young Carer's budget, 1 February 07 -Gender Equality Scheme, 3 April 07 |
-Recommendation to not withdraw funding from rural studies centres/outdoor centres and seek to identify compensatory savings elsewhere -Concerns expressed over levels of spending on young carers directly and the use of resources to support the Children's Services budget. -Questioning of the Director of Human Resources on the content and communication plan for the new Scheme. |
-Recommendation accepted by Leader and item referred to the Work Programme of the Culture and Communities PRC for further investigation and policy development work. -Referred to Children and Young People PRC for further scrutiny. -Recommendation to HAT chairman that this item is discussed at HAT meetings so that the messages in the strategy are understood by all service users. |
Monitoring impact of external agencies on the people of Hampshire |
-Annual monitoring of Project Integra |
-To receive up-to-date information about large partnership projects and be aware of the risks and opportunities associated with them. |
-PRC contributes to the management of the performance of certain aspects of these projects by monitoring areas of specific concern to the PRC. |
Dealing with other topics
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Annexe B
LOCAL GOVERNMENT PRCs - Progress Report: November 2006 - April 2007
POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE: Safe and Healthy People
SUMMARY OF PRE SCRUTINY / SCRUTINY WORK
Pre scrutiny / scrutiny areas of investigation and influence |
Action/s |
Outcome/s including actions |
Estimated impact / influence |
Consideration of departmental decision lists at PRC chairman agenda planning session |
Included in January and April PRC agenda planning meetings |
Selection of decisions for further consideration or not |
Exercise of PRC role of holding the Executive to account |
Pre scrutiny of decision relating to: - Better Housing Solutions |
Questioning of officer and discussion at April PRC meeting |
Challenge to department initiating the decision |
- raised awareness of decision areas among PRC members - challenge to aspects of proposed decision |
Identification of scrutiny review topics for inclusion in PRC work programme |
Topics proposed by PRC members. Process of prioritisation by active research through six reports and two workshops Parallel process Of forward planning prioritised scrutiny work programme for the PRC |
Selection of two topics at April PRC, to be communicated to Policy and Review PRC for endorsement Work programme developed |
Establishment of PRC role in shaping scrutiny within HCC PRC role and function strengthened |
Scrutiny reviews carried out |
Joint scrutiny with Health on : - Care at the End of Life |
Recommendations developed |
Health Executive and Hampshire County Council consideration of recommendations relating to policy development and policy review |
DETAIL OF POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE WORK
PRC role |
Type of activity and date |
Outcome, including action/s |
Impact/Influence |
Scrutinising the work of the Executive and the County Council as an organisation |
1 scrutiny undertaken jointly with Health OSC : - care at the end of life (completed January 2007) `Live' scrutiny at PRC meetings on: - Progress with the Health and Well Being Review (November 2006) - Treasurers Financial Assessment process at April PRC meeting |
Scrutiny recommendations, relating to policy development and policy review, communicated to the Health Executive and Hampshire County Council Executive Up to date information received by PRC members and policy challenged with Director, discussion points responded to Up to date information received by PRC members. Policy and practice challenged and request for annual reporting back to PRC |
Exercise of PRC scrutiny role Involvement of non Executive Members in policy development and policy review Challenge and dialogue Challenge, dialogue and prospect of further influence through annual reporting |
Questioning and exploring areas of interest and concern |
Identification and exploration of six areas of interest, subsequently narrowed to two, as part of scrutiny work programme development Production and consideration of 6 reports at January PRC Two half day PRC briefing workshops in March 2007 |
Identification of two areas requiring scrutiny, agreed at April PRC: - Hampshire County Council and the Third Sector - Services for people with alcohol problems |
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Monitoring the strategic management of performance |
Consideration of Adult Services star ratings performance 2005-06 at January PRC meeting |
Information considered and aspects for additional information and monitoring identified. Follow up report to be made available to July PRC |
Challenge and dialogue |
Questioning Executive members about performance, direction and decisions |
None |
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Pre-scrutinising recommendations from the Decision Programme |
Consideration of decision lists from Adult Services Department at PRC Chairman Agenda Planning meetings in December and March. Selection of item for inclusion in April 2007 meeting: - Better housing solutions |
Choices made to pre scrutinise or not. Decision identified and discussed at April PRC |
- raised awareness of decision areas among PRC members - challenge to aspects of proposed decision |
Monitoring impact of external agencies on the people of Hampshire |
Consideration of relevant external agencies through overview work for April PRC meeting |
Agreement by PRC in April to invite a representative from the Probation service to attend July PRC meeting to inform Members about national changes affecting the service and the implications of this for Hampshire |
Communication of PRC overview and scrutiny role to Probation agency |
Dealing with other topics
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Overview work: identification of aspects of national and local developments impacting on the PRC's terms of reference reported to November, January and April PRC meetings Development of PRC scrutiny review work programme through topic consideration and prioritisation at January and April PRC meetings Consideration of Lead Scrutineer role for PRC members |
Members awareness raised about a number of different matters, including national policy developments, best practice recommendations etc. through reports received. Some information used as a basis to call for further reports to allow challenge and debate Topics agreed at April meeting, and forward plan identified by April 2007 Role considered at April PRC meeting, and adopted. Six identified areas of interest shared within the committee. |
Exercise of PRC overview role and responsibility Exercise of PRC scrutiny role and responsibility Strengthening of PRC `critical friend' and overview role |
Annexe C
LOCAL GOVERNMENT PRCs - Progress Report: November 2006 - April 2007
POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE : Environment and Transportation
SUMMARY OF PRE SCRUTINY / SCRUTINY WORK |
Pre scrutiny / scrutiny areas of investigation and influence |
Action/s |
Outcome/s |
Estimated impact / influence |
Consideration of departmental decisions lists at PRC chairman agenda planning session |
Included in December, January and April PRC agenda planning meetings |
Selection of decisions for further consideration or not |
Exercise of PRC role of holding the Executive to account |
Pre scrutiny of decisions relating to: - highway environment - the budget - environmental service providers - establishing a transport delivery agency for south - Hampshire - adoption of the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework - core planning strategy |
Questioning of officers and discussion regarding proposed decisions at January and April PRCs |
Challenge to department initiating decisions |
- raised awareness of decision areas among PRC members - challenge to aspects of all proposed decisions - identification of Minerals and Waste strategy as possible scrutiny topic |
Identification of scrutiny review topics for inclusion in PRC work programme |
Topics proposed by officers and PRC and other members and considered by full PRC. Parallel process of forward planning prioritised scrutiny work programme for the PRC |
Work programme developed |
Establishment of PRC role in shaping scrutiny within HCC PRC role and function strengthened |
Scrutiny reviews carried out |
Scrutinies agreed and actioned: - motorway diversion routes - bus subsidy mechanism - street lighting - transport in the community (in progress) |
Scrutiny recommendations communicated to the Executive Member, requesting response. |
Involvement of 27 non Executive members in policy developments through participation in the scrutiny review activity Executive consideration of recommendations relating to policy development, and response elicited |
DETAIL OF POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE WORK | |||
PRC role |
Type of activity and date |
Outcome, including action/s |
Impact/Influence |
Scrutinising the work of the Executive and the County Council as an organisation |
3 scrutinies undertaken: - motorway diversion routes (December 2006) - bus subsidy mechanisms (December 2006) - street lighting (February 2007) 1 scrutiny underway: - transport in the community 1 scrutiny to start: - Lyndhurst bypass `Live' scrutiny at PRC meetings on: - Street Lighting Private Finance Initiative (December 2006) |
Scrutiny recommendations communicated to the Executive Member, requesting response Up to date information received by PRC members. Decision to adopt as a scrutiny topic. |
Exercise of PRC scrutiny role Involvement of 27 non Executive Members in policy developments through participation in scrutiny review Executive consideration of recommendations and response elicited Challenge and dialogue. |
Questioning and exploring areas of interest and concern |
Invitation to Members from Environment Department officer, via PRC chairman at April PRC meeting, to oversee the Minerals and Waste Plan implementation |
Those Members interested to sit on Executive Member led panel over next two years. |
To be considered over time. |
Monitoring the strategic management of performance |
Consideration of Environment Best Value Performance Indicators half year report at January PRC |
Information considered and noted |
Challenge and dialogue |
Questioning Executive members about performance, direction and decisions |
None |
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Pre-scrutinising recommendations from the Decision Programme |
Consideration of decision lists from Environment Department at PRC Chairman Agenda Planning meetings in January and April, selection of items and inclusion of those items in PRC meetings: - highway environment - the budget - environmental service providers - establishing a transport delivery agency for south Hampshire - adoption of the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework - core planning strategy |
Challenge to Environment Department initiating decisions |
- raised awareness of decision areas among PRC members - challenge to aspects of all proposed decisions - identification of Minerals and Waste strategy as possible scrutiny topic |
Monitoring impact of external agencies on the people of Hampshire |
Environment Agency (Hampshire area) attended April PRC meeting, where area manager and colleague engaged in discussion with PRC members about the Environment Agency's role in looking after and improving the environment. |
Communication of messages to the Environment Agency about matters of concern to Members, and issues they would wish the Agency give attention to. Questioning of aspects of policy and delivery. |
Communication of PRC overview and scrutiny role to the Environment Agency |
Dealing with other topics
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Overview of identified aspects of national and local developments impacting on the PRC terms of reference at December, January and April PRC meetings: - Disability Equality Duty - Patient Transport Services national consultation - Environment Agency State of the Environment (Hants) 2006 report - Revised Water Strategy Action Plan - Carbon Offsetting national consultation - Water Metering national consultation Development of PRC scrutiny review work programme through topic consideration and prioritisation at December, January and April PRC meetings Consideration of Lead Scrutineer role for PRC members |
Members awareness raised about a number of different matters, including national and HCC policy and strategy developments, through reports and presentations received, and discussion. Contribution to national policy development through response to national consultation on Water Metering, and joint response with Health OSC to Patient Transport Services consultation. Topics agreed. Work programme developed and worked to during December to March, and forward plan identified by April 2007 Role considered at April PRC meeting but not adopted. |
Exercise of PRC overview role and responsibility Exercise of PRC scrutiny role and responsibility Opportunity for PRC members to strengthen `critical friend' and overview role declined
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Annexe D
LOCAL GOVERNMENT PRCs - Progress Report: November 2006 - April 2007
POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE : Culture and Communities
SUMMARY OF PRE SCRUTINY / SCRUTINY WORK
Pre scrutiny / scrutiny areas of investigation and influence |
Action/s |
Outcome/s |
Estimated impact / influence |
Consideration of departmental decision lists at PRC chairman agenda planning session |
Included in November, January and April agenda planning meetings |
Selection of decisions for further consideration or not |
Exercise of PRC role of holding the Executive to account |
Pre scrutiny of decisions relating to: · Outdoor centres - potential savings · Consultation process in strategy development · Proposed changes to funding of community associations · Basingstoke options appraisal · Basingstoke Canal Finance · Support for independent arts organisations · Tackling areas of social deprivation and decline using demographic intelligence resources · Management of public engagement and consultation · Revenue budget R&H · Capital programme R&H · Tourism strategy · Rural studies centres · Libraries and Information Services Review |
Questioning of officers and discussion regarding proposed decisions at November, January and April PRCs |
Challenge to department initiating decisions |
Raised awareness of decision areas among PRC members Challenge to aspects of all proposed decisions |
Identification of scrutiny review topics for inclusion in PRC work programme: · Review of rural studies/outdoor centres |
Topics proposed by officers, PRC and other members |
Work programme developed |
Establishment of PRC role in shaping scrutiny with HCC PRC role and function strengthened |
Scrutiny reviews: |
Scrutiny reviews agreed and actioned: · Library and Information Services Review - ongoing |
Scrutiny recommendations communicated to the Executive Member (16 November 2006) |
Executive consideration of recommendations relating to policy development - responses elicited: |
DETAIL OF POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE WORK
PRC role |
Type of activity and date |
Outcome, including action/s |
Impact/Influence |
Scrutinising the work of the Executive and the County Council as an organisation |
`Live' scrutiny at PRC meetings: · Basingstoke canal options appraisal Scrutiny `under way' · Library review proposal · Rural study/outdoor centres (referred from Policy and Resources PRC) |
Recommendations to executive member for Recreation and Heritage (16 November 2006) · Review panel appointed · ToR agreed · Full scale review now underway · Review panel proposed - to be confirmed. · Endorsement for scrutiny review to encompass all Hampshire County Council funded and part funded centres · Review now underway |
Recommendations accepted by Executive Member (16 November 2006). Promote resolution of issue affecting County Council partners and Hampshire/Surrey residents · Potential to positively influence future direction of Library Service in Hampshire · Respond to issues of public concern Potential to develop recommendations for a common assessment framework, rationalise provision and determine funding principles and possible savings in context of County Council mandate and objectives |
Questioning and exploring areas of interest and concern |
Basingstoke canal - Greywell to Basingstoke section - officer presentation Tourism strategy - officer presentation Tackling areas of deprivation and decline - using demographic intelligence tools/resources - officer presentations Annual revenue funding to community organisations - officer presentation Improving access to library services - officer briefing |
Questioning and endorsement of proposals to improve public access Questioning and discussion of draft strategy · Questioning and debate Presentations/demos given at PRC · Presentation and demonstrations at conference on local intelligence in Nottingham for local authorities. · Further information to be provided at members briefing day to further explore potential Questioning and discussing of proposal to implement pilot scheme to target funding to community organisations that promote community activities and wellbeing Questioning and innovative discussion of proposal to explore use of community centres to provide library services; also use of volunteers to assist with home library service |
Potential improvement of recreational access to Hampshire countryside resource for Hampshire and other residents Potential to support development of a robust strategy for the way forward as proposed by Executive/Deputy Leader · Potential to develop recommendations in relation to the County's approach to consultation and community engagement · Potential to develop recommendations about substantially improving the County's to undertake and exploit market research · Potential to influence the ability of the Council to increase knowledge of Hampshire localities and improve targeting of resources to maximise impact for its residents, economic growth and wellbeing Endorsed pilot scheme to target resources better to help achieve County Council objectives and better support community wellbeing Support for innovative initiatives to improve access to library services, particularly to support older and less mobile Hampshire residents |
Monitoring the strategic management of performance |
Funding support to Southampton and Portsmouth outdoor activity centres - officer presentation Recreation and Heritage budget |
· Discussion and questioning · Resolution to reduce funding for centres for 2007/08 · A fund be made available to support young people wishing to attend city outdoor centres Questioning and discussion of revenue budget and capital programme. Support given for budget strategy and approach commended to Cabinet |
Potential to gain savings for Hampshire County Council whilst supporting the use of centres by Hampshire's young people. Support given to a strategy for sustainable approach, including for delivery of library services in the County |
Annexe E
LOCAL GOVERNMENT PRCs - Progress Report: November 2006 - April 2007
POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE : Children & Young People
SUMMARY OF PRE SCRUTINY / SCRUTINY WORK
Pre scrutiny / scrutiny areas of investigation and influence |
Action/s |
Outcome/s |
Estimated impact / influence |
1. Consideration of annual data of school exclusions. |
To perform routine monitoring on the number of school exclusions in Hampshire schools and question department on the reasons for changes to these figures. |
Topic referred to scrutiny Work Programme for Select Committee style work (started March 2007) |
· That any areas for improvement in HCC's policies on the prevention and management of exclusions are identified and communicated to the PRC and Executive · That improved ways of working with districts and other external partners within the scope of the review are identified and followed-up with recommendations for change if appropriate · That HCC and its partners are prepared for changes in government guidance on exclusions in September 2007 |
2. Pre-scrutiny of Residential Care Review proposals |
Consideration of proposals for Residential Care in Hampshire and recommendations made to Executive. |
Further work requested to clarify perceived inconsistencies in proposals. In-depth questioning of officer at February PRC. Issue debated and proposals finally accepted by PRC. |
Holding Executive decisions to account. |
3. Pre-scrutiny of Education Provision for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Children |
Call-in of Executive decision |
Issue referred to Work Programme for further scrutiny work to advise the July decision of the Executive Member. |
Holding the Executive to account; responding to issues of public concern |
4. Scrutiny Reviews carried out |
-Scrutiny of Schools Admissions Code -Scrutiny of the role of the Corporate Parent (for Children in Care) -Scrutiny of school exclusions |
-To alert the Schools Admissions Panel and Executive to issues that needed to be resolved in the Admissions Policy -To involve Members in developing the HCC Corporate `Pledge' for our Children in Care. -(See item 1 for details) |
-Recommendations considered by Admissions Forum as part of the consultation on Admissions Arrangements. -Pledge developed in conjunction with Children in Care. Further work on developing the role of the Corporate Parent to be undertaken under the PRC's Work Programme. -(See item 1 for details) |
5. Scrutiny Reviews scheduled |
Respite care for children with disabilities |
tbc |
· Enhance partnership working · Improve liaison between carers and other agencies supporting these children · Enhance the quality of care provided to children when it is needed · To enable children to live at home to the fullest extent possible |
DETAIL OF POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE WORK
PRC role |
Type of activity and date |
Outcome, including action/s |
Impact/Influence |
Scrutinising the work of the Executive and the County Council as an organisation |
-`Live' scrutiny of forthcoming Executive Member decisions and other issues identified by PRC at every PRC meeting. -Identification of 3 topics for in-depth scrutiny work |
-Recommendations and suggestions forwarded to Executive Members and departmental lead officers. -Work currently underway |
-Providing support and challenge to Executive Member decision making and departmental policy and practice. -To identify any areas for change or improvement in the policies and practices of HCC and its partners, involve key stakeholders and partners in the process, and communicate proposals to the PRC and Executive |
Questioning and exploring areas of interest and concern |
-Regular commissioning of reports and presentations on issues of current concern and topics of interest to the PRC. -Quarterly `information despatch' of short briefing notes to PRC members. |
-Up to date information received and policy and practice challenged with Director. -Members are kept aware of current developments in their terms of reference areas. |
-PRC members set their own agenda for areas for exploration and build the prospect for further influence through regular monitoring of issues. -Members are kept up-to-date with current issues and can request that topics included in the despatch are discussed further within the PRC meetings. |
Monitoring the strategic management of performance |
-13 Feb 07: Reviewing the final budget decisions for Children's Services. - Performing routine monitoring on the number of school exclusions in Hampshire schools and question department on the reasons for changes to these figures. |
-PRC members understand the key financial challenges for services within their terms of reference. Item scheduled for annual updates. -Reasons for exclusions and the steps being taken to address them are discussed. Scrutiny Review underway in 2007 to investigate further. |
-Members are able to provide constructive challenge on financial issues. - Recommendations to be made to the Executive Member as to how current practice could be improved. |
Questioning Executive members about performance, direction and decisions |
Call-in of decision on Education Provision for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Children, 6 March 2007. |
Decision to conduct statutory consultations with schools postponed. PRC undertaking scrutiny review of decision to inform the Executive Member's final decision making. |
Holding the Executive to account; responding to issues of public concern |
Pre-scrutinising recommendations from the Decision Programme |
Pre-scrutiny of Executive Member decisions undertaken at every meeting. Topics have included: -Education Provision for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Children. -Non-County Placements and Independent Fostering Providers -Development of Children's Centres. |
-PRC members select items they wish to pre-scrutinise. -Decisions discussed and debated at PRC meeting. |
-Challenge and support provided to Executive Members. |
Monitoring impact of external agencies on the people of Hampshire |
-All select committee-style reviews involve external stakeholders and challenge to these stakeholders will form part of the oral evidence-giving of these reviews. -Impact of the Learning and Skills Council regarding the 14-19 Curriculum to be monitored following the Hampshire Joint Area Review. |
-TBC -TBC |
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Dealing with other topics
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